Death toll up to 19 in latest Nigerian attack

People run towards an ambulance carrying bodies from a bomb blast at the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja, April 14, 2014. A morning rush hour bomb killed at least 71 people at a Nigerian bus station on the outskirts of the capital on Monday, raising concerns about the spread of an Islamist insurgency after the deadliest ever attack on Abuja. Suspicion fell on Boko Haram, though there was no immediate claim of responsibility from the Islamists who are mainly active in the northeast. As well as 71 dead, police said 124 were wounded in the first attack on the federal capital in two years. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde
People run towards an ambulance carrying bodies from a bomb blast at the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja, April 14, 2014. A morning rush hour bomb killed at least 71 people at a Nigerian bus station on the outskirts of the capital on Monday, raising concerns about the spread of an Islamist insurgency after the deadliest ever attack on Abuja. Suspicion fell on Boko Haram, though there was no immediate claim of responsibility from the Islamists who are mainly active in the northeast. As well as 71 dead, police said 124 were wounded in the first attack on the federal capital in two years. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde

Police say the toll has risen to at least 19 killed in a car bomb that exploded on a busy road in Nigeria’s capital, just days before the city is to host a major international conference.

The bomb exploded where traffic built up near a checkpoint across the road from a busy bus station where a massive explosion on April 14 killed at least 75 people. That blast was claimed by the Islamic extremist Boko Hararm terrorist network.

Thursday night’s bomb comes days before Abuja is to host the World Economic Forum on Africa, with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang as an honoured guest.

Police Superintendent Frank Mba said Friday the toll is up to 19 dead with as many wounded being treated in the hospitals. Six cars were burned up.

Source : Sapa-AP /lk

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