Update on Emab Plaza bombing, 21 confirmed dead, 17 injured

The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, has confirmed that 21 people died this afternoon when a bomb went off at the very busy Emab Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja. He also confirmed that 17 people were seriously injured and have been taken to Maitama District Hospital,  Gwarimpa hospital, Wuse hospital, Garki hospital and National hospital.

Mr Mba said one suspect has been arrested and investigations have already started. The bomb is said to have gone off in a car as it passed through the gate of the mall around 4 this afternoon. The fire that followed the explosion is said to have engulfed most of the cars parked around the mall.  

Security Forces have condoned off the scene of the blast, while the Police Bomb Disposal Squad has commenced post-blast analysis as part of the general investigative process, according to a statement.

The attack is believed to have been carried out by a suicide bomber though there are other conflicting reports from some eye-witnesses that a man on a bike threw the explosive and sped off. Though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, we all can kinda guess. See more photos after the cut..