Sunday. The death toll is unconfirmed, however; it is suspected that
scores have been killed.
about 12 and said:
“At about 2200 (2100 GMT), we heard an explosion and immediately
mobilised to the scene where we discovered a suicide bomber…five people,
including the bomber, were killed.”
Shinaba said it was too early to say who was responsible for the attack, which happened in the busy
Sabon Giri district of the city.
Locals also said the blast was on a busy road lined with bars in the
predominantly Christian area of Sabon Gari, and the blast could be heard
several kilometres away. A reporter said the charred and mangled
remains of five cars could be seen outside one of the many bars and
eateries on the now deserted street, which was dimly lit because of
power cuts.
A Volkswagen Golf said by police to have been used by the bomber, was
ripped into three pieces, with its engine resting on the roadside.
Windows on the two-storey buildings lining the street were smashed and
armed police and soldiers stood guard.
The blast happened at about 9:30 pm (2030 GMT) when the area was crowded with revelers as well as street hawkers and traders.