Multiple Xmas Eve Bomb Blasts Kills Scores In Jos

JOS, Dec 24, (THEWILL) - JOS, Dec 24, (THEWILL) - Over 40 perosns have been feared killed on the eve of Christmas in a series of coordinated bomb blasts in several parts of Jos, Plateau State.

The blasts occurred in three different locations in Jos with the first one exploding at Gada Biyu, the second at Angwan Rukuba and the third at Amingo Junction. Two other explosions rocked again in Gada Biyu much later.

The first three explosions occurred at about five minutes interval.

The First bomb which exploded at Gada Biyu had the highest casualty as it hit those around the mini market as well those at the various relaxation spots at the nearby Kabong settlement.

The bombs exploded at between 8:pm to 8:15 pm.

Eye witnesses told THEWILL that there was no clue that anything of that sort was going to happen but that all of a sudden a thunderous sound, followed by a flashes of lightning occurred right before the overhead bridge in Gada Biyu killing and maiming several people.

The one at Angwan Rukuba was said to have occurred barely five minutes after that of Gada Biyu while that of Amingo Junction was to follow at about the same time interval.

Many of the wounded casualties had been rushed to various hospitals in Jos but the exact figure of those killed could not be ascertained even though eyewitnesses said those that died in the Gada Biyu explosion alone were over 40 in number.

Confusion reigned in the entire Jos city for close to two hours after the explosions as people ran frantically trying to rescue their loved ones from the inferno emanating from the blasts while others in anger tried to take laws into their hands but men of the military task force keeping security in Jos moved swiftly to stop them.

Security personnel were drafted to the each of the spots where the explosions occurred while officials of the state government moved to meet with top security officials in the state.

One of the state government officials who asked not to be named told THEWILL that the explosions were timed bombs, also known as Improvised Explosive Device (IED) possibly remotely detonated to cause maximum damage.

The source said the state government would ensure it gets to the root of the matter.

But the STF Commander, Brigadier General Hassan Umoru declined comments on the matter saying soldiers are still going round to ascertain the situation.

Many parts of Jos have been barricaded and people are forced to make detours to avoid going through some of the affected areas.

The state government is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.