"Dozens" Killed as Explosion Shakes Popular Drinking Joint in Kano

An explosion has occurred today at about 9.30 p.m. in Sabon Gari area of Kano city, Kano State. Dozens of local residents are reported to have been killed in the blast.

The explosion occurred at a popular area inhabited by mostly Christians, with a lot of bars and restaurants. There is a speculation that this might be the latest attack by the Boko Haram terrorist sect. According to different sources, the number of casualties is from ten to 25 persons, but this figure might yet rise because of multiple motor accidents that followed the explosion.

Local residents say they have heard the explosion from afar. The state Police Command have confirmed the incident, but declined to provide details, only saying security operatives have been sent to the affected area. JTF detachments have also been deployed to the area and barricaded all roads around the Hausa/Igbo Road.

Vanguard and Daily Trust say the explosion occurred when the improvised explosive devices went off in a car. According to the latter source, the car was parked along middle road by Gold coast near a popular beer parlour. Residents say they saw the driver - whom they suspect to be a Boko Haram member - joining a waiting tricyle moments before the explosion.

According to the information obtained by Legit.ng from the witnesses of the accident, the explosion occurred at the Gold Coast road, with the bomb planted at the scene of the event in advance. Our readers saw the men of the police Anti bomb Squad searching the scene to prevent any similar incidents.

In July 2013, a bus park was attacked in the same area of Kano where about 20 people died.

The state held local government election Saturday in which the All Progressives Congress defeated the Peoples Democratic Party.

See updates on the story and photos from the scene of explosion here: Kano Bombong: PHOTOS from the Scene and Number of Casualties

Source: Legit.ng