Two Bomb Explosions Rock Kaduna

Latest reports have confirmed that a twin bomb explosions
rocked Kaduna State, northern Nigeria on Wednesday, 23 July,
2014.
The reports stated that the first explosion had occurred around
12.44pm local time, as a suicide bomber reportedly tried to
kill Sheik Dahiru Usman Bauchi, but failed when Bauchi
escaped.
It was gathered that over 30 of Bauchi’s followers returning
from an annual Ramadan event were allegedly killed in the
attack.
Experts working at the scene of Kaduna explosion. Photo credit –
SaharaReporters
According to Sahara Reporters, former Nigerian Head of State,
Gen. Muhammadu Buhari was almost killed in the second bomb
explosion that happened few hours after the first attack.
A source informed that more than 20 persons were killed in the
attack.
PM News had quoted Kaduna police chief, Umar Shehu, who
confirmed that the two explosions occurred in about 3-hour
interval.
On the first blast, Shehu said:
"We have recorded a blast which is apparently a suicide blast
targeting the convoy of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi. Twenty-five
people have so far been confirmed dead."
Also, Premium Times reported that the first explosion occurred
in the afternoon along Isa Kaita road leading to the popular
Murtala Square.
However, eyewitnesses and humanitarian workers informed
Sahara Reporters that the death toll from both explosions
has risen over 50. As of the time of this report, thousands were
rushing to their homes following a 24-hour curfew imposed on
the town.
The attack was initially believed to have targeted at the convoy
of a prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, who was
heading to the Square.
Late PM News reported Bauchi was driving in an open-roofed
truck, greeting well-wishers who had assembled for the closing
of a prominent Koranic festival.
The aftermath of July 23, 2014 Kaduna explosion. Photo credit –
SaharaReporters
A witness identified as Hassan Mohammed said the bomb was
hidden in a red Volkswagen golf car parked by the road side
adding it detonated as Sheikh’s convoy drove past. While
Sheikh was not hurt in the attack, many other people were
reportedly killed:
"As I speak to you now, I can see many bodies on the ground."
Meanwhile, a Kaduna-based official of the National Emergency
Management Agency, NEMA, informed Vanguard reporter that
the second bomb blast killed at least 17 people.
“We are still working on the figures but so far we have 17 dead,”
said Musa Illela, referring specifically to the second attack
which he described as “a bomb blast".
Premium Times recalls that Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, a known
critic of the Boko Haram sect, was previously targeted, however
it is unclear wether Boko Haram are responsible for the
explosion.
Leadership confirmed the development saying that about 3
hours after the first bomb went off, another bomb explosion
rocked the popularly Kawo Motor Park in the Crocodile City.
With reference to Shehu PM News reports the number of
casualties caused by another explosion, which occurred just
several km from the first blast scene, was not clear at the time
of filing this report. However Reuters puts the number of people
killed in both attacks to 82 (32 and 50, respectively).
BBC reporter says the second attack targeted the motorcade of
senior opposition leader General Muhammadu Buhari.
General Buhari’s convoy targeted by second Kaduna bomb blast.
Photo credit – SaharaReporters
According to the reporter, gunmen rammed a vehicle into his
convoy, firing shots at it, adding that three of Gen. Buhari’s
aides and several security personnel travelling with him were
slightly wounded in the attack. A former military ruler of Nigeria
is unhurt in the incident, though he is reportedly traumatised
morally by the development.