Update: Jos explosion was a failed suicide bombing attempt

According to reports, the explosion that rocked Jos, the capital of Plateau, yesterday was a failed suicide bombing. The bomb was said to have detonated prematurely before the bomber could reach his target destination, a football viewing center. Reports have it that the explosion occurred near a man’s residence and both he and his son were injured. Three people, including the attacker, are said to have lost their lives. This is the 3rd bombing incident in Jos in less than a week, the previous one causing the deaths of over a hundred people. Nigerian Eye reports : A source close to the scene told one of our correspondents that, “The suicide bomber wanted to attack a viewing centre where Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid fans were watching the UEFA Champion League final.” Although information about Saturday night’s blast is still sketchy, the bomb was said to have been planted in a car, near a car stand where some youths were watching the match. The sound of the blast, according to eyewitnesses, reverberated round the city and was heard around Angwan Rogo area of Jos North, behind the temporary site of the University of Jos. The sound was, reportedly, so loud it shook most buildings around the area. It was heard as far as Bukuru in Jos South, about 12 km from Jos. A resident, Sani Mudi, who lives around Bauchi road told our correspondent that all the residents of the area rushed out of their houses, trying to fathom where the bomb exploded. The spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, Mrs. Felicia Anselm, confirmed the blasts. Another police source confirmed the bomb exploded at a television viewing centre, where some youths were watching the match. “It is really a bad situation, the source said, adding, “but the details will be known by day break.”

Thank God for protecting the lives of innocent souls.