WHEN Information minister, Mr Lai Mohammed, ‎announced that all routes leading to the Eagle Square would be blocked from midnight on Wednesday, September 30, as part of measures to beef up security in and around the venue of Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary celebrations on October 1, 2020, it was clear that Abuja, the country’s capital city, is still haunted by an incident that occurred during the same event, on the same date, exactly 10 years ago.

On October 1, 2010, Nigeria celebrated its 50th independence anniversary – the Golden Jubilee. ‎But the day is remembered for bomb blasts that occurred during the lavish celebrations.

There were three blasts from car bombs. It was the first time bomb blasts were recorded in the Federal Capital Territory. In fact, at that time, bomb blasts have not become a common occurrence in Nigeria, a situation which was to change with the ascendancy of the Boko Haram terrorists. ‎

At least twelve persons, including a policeman, died, while 17 others‎ sustained injuries, in the Independence Day bombing, which was claimed by, and blamed on, a Niger Delta militant group – the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

The first blast occurred around the Ministry of Justice, a stone throw from the Eagle Square, at 10:30 am,‎ and a second explosion went off moments later, after emergency services had arrived at the scene.

A third, smaller explosion occurred at the Eagle Square, where President ‎Goodluck Jonathan was observing the Golden Jubilee festivities with foreign dignitaries and hundreds of Nigerians, mostly government officials and prominent individuals.

Jonathan, who was inspecting a guard of honour at the time, had to leave the Eagle Square suddenly in an armoured limousine, without making a scheduled address. The celebrations however continued on a sober, tensed note, with military bands, dances by school children and air force displays.‎

As it were, the explosions occurred about an hour after MEND threatened to attack the celebrations, and warned people to evacuate the area.

“Several explosive devices have been successfully planted in and around the venue by our operatives working inside the government security services. In evacuating the area, keep a safe distance from vehicles and thrash bins,” a statement signed by MEND spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said.

The militant group was fighting to secure a greater share of the oil revenue for the Niger Delta, the country’s oil rich area, and the statement noted‎ that “For 50 years, the people of the Niger Delta have had their land and resources stolen from them”.

READ MORE: https://www.icirnigeria.org/abuja-a-capital-city-scarred-by-terror/