Breaking News: Explosions leave many dead in Kaduna

Breaking News: Explosions leave many dead in Kaduna

(KADUNA CITY)

Twin explosions in northern Nigerian city of Kaduna have left scores dead.

The first blast according to witnesses occurred along Isa Kaita road which leads to the popular Murtala Square, while the second occurred near an overhead bridge in the Kawo area of the city.

Details are still sketchy, but our sources said over 35 persons were feared dead, while the official figure puts the number of the dead at 25.

A witness said the explosion is believed to have targeted the convoy of a prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, who was on his way to the Square.

The witness, Hassan Mohammed, told the media that the bomb, concealed in a red Volkswagen golf car parked by the road side, was detonated as the cleric’s convoy drove past.

The Sheikh escaped unhurt, the witness said.

“As I speak to you now, I can see many bodies on the ground,” Mr. Mohammed said.

The police could not be immediately reached.

But the witness said security and emergency officials have arrived at the scene evacuating the victims of the blast.

The blast is the second targeting Mr. Bauchi in Kaduna State. In June, an explosion occurred near his house, injuring one person.

The Sheikh is a known critic of the extremist Boko Haram sect. It is however not clear whether the group is responsible for the attack.