Two Powerful Explosions Rock Jos, as 25 die in Abuja Christmas Day Bombing

Elombah.com

25 December 2011

Two Powerful Explosions Rock Jos, as 25 die in Abuja Christmas Day Bombing       

 At least 25 people have been killed by an explosion outside a church in Mallada, a settlement outside the Nigerian capital during Christmas celebrations, according to a relief worker. Witnesses have also reported a second attack and loud explosions in the central town of Jos, according to the Reuters news agency. The bomb blasts evoked memories of strikes against Nigerian churches during last year's Christmas season.

The first explosion struck near a Catholic church in Madala, west of the capital, the National Emergency Management Agency said.

A second explosion struck the Mountain of Fire Ministries church in the city of Jos, northeast of the capital, said journalist Hassan John, who witnessed the aftermath of the blast.

A relief worker told Idris at least 25 bodies were removed from the carnage. The source added that six of the bodies had been mutilated..

"I am standing near a huge crater left in the road. The damage to structures and buildings can be seen from 150m away. The church and surrounding shops and homes were also damaged," said Idris.

"At least eight cars and two motorcycles were burnt beyond recognition."

The explosion at St Theresa Church on Christmas morning was confirmed by Yushau Shuaib, a spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency of the blast in the Madalla area.

People were inside the church at the time of the blast, but Shuaib could not initially determine how many.