Bomber pretended to be drunk –Tyokasi
Tyokasi, a 22-year-old student of the National Open University of Nigeria, said, “I am studying Business Entrepreneurship and Management.
“On that fateful day, I just crossed over to buy corn because I was a bit hungry. I bought the corn but when I turned back, I saw the man (bomber) driving a Toyota Sienna and trying to get into the plaza through the exit gate. The security men told him to go back and follow the right way but he was behaving as if he was drunk.
“Within seconds after I left that point, I heard a big bang and found myself on the ground. My right leg was affected. Presently, I can’t stand with it.
The bomber bought newspaper from me –Ojeh
Nineteen -year-old Ojeh said the bomber first bought a newspaper from him and asked irrelevant questions before leaving to enter his vehicle.
“One man wearing caftan came to buy a newspaper from me and was asking me irrelevant questions. Even when I wanted to give him his change, he wasn’t ready to collect it. He kept asking me irrelevant questions. If I answer him, he would laugh and ask another question. Afterwards, he left and entered his vehicle close to the exit gate of the plaza. It was not long after he left that there was an explosion and I saw myself on the road before the police came .” I saw corpses everywhere – Ademola
Twenty four –year-old Ademola, who is a fashion designer, also said the bomber insisted on going into the Plaza through the exit gate.
He added, “When he (bomber) was challenged by the security men at the exit gate, he insisted on going ahead. As he bent his head towards the Sienna that he was driving, I told my friend that we should get away from there.
“Within a few seconds, there was an explosion. Many people died and that is why I give thanks to Almighty God. I saw many corpses on the ground. Heads, hands and legs littered everywhere.
I thought my head was blown off
–Olatunji
Olatunji, a student of Biology/Integrated Science at the Federal College of Education, Kontangora, Niger State, said he arrived in Abuja from Oyo State on Wednesday only to be welcomed by the blast.
He said, “I came from Oyo State yesterday (Wednesday) to hussle and make some money for my school fees before the end of the strike by Polytechnics and colleges of education workers.
“As a casual staff with Glo, I normally get Sim cards to sell and make some money. The incident happened when we were going to the mosque to observe the 4pm prayer. On our way, we saw some people arguing and they didn’t allow a car to enter the plaza.
“As the argument continued, I heard an explosion and immediately, I saw human flesh and bones littering everywhere. I was confused and I din’t know what I was doing again. I thought my head had been blown off by the blast. I touched my head while on the ground and realised that it was there. I stood up and was looking for help, but help didn’t come immediately.
Taxi driver cheats death
A taxi driver, who identified himself as Malachy Odo, said he was caught up in the midst of the ravaging fire after the bomb exploded at the car park of Emab Plaza.
A taxi driver, who identified himself as Malachy Odo, said he was caught up in the midst of the ravaging fire after the bomb exploded at the car park of Emab Plaza.
He said: “I had arrived at the plaza in my cab minutes earlier. After the last passenger alighted from the cab, I was reversing when I heard the explosion. My car went up in flames, and I struggled to pass through the window and in the process my left hand caught fire. As I was running for my dear life, broken glasses pierced my feet. I was later rushed by rescuers to Maitama General Hospital.”
Another survivor, Mrs Mary Andrew, said she was lying on the ground beside her groundnut tray, while waiting for buyers at the entrance of Emab Plaza, when the blast occurred.
According to her: “I was lying down when the bomb exploded, and my baby was also with me. After the blast, I discovered that three of my fellow groundnut sellers were dead. I was very lucky, I was not hurt, and I thank God for saving my life.”
I was covered with broken glasses —Olasupo
Samuel Olasupo, who sells and repairs mobile phones at Emab plaza had this to say: “I was about to take step out of my shop to the gate to buy corn, when the bomb exploded. I was thrown to the floor and my body was pierced by pieces of glass. When I recovered from the impact of the blast, I gave glory to God.” He said the bomb-laden car was said to have been parked at the entrance of the plaza for more than 30 minutes with nobody inside.
Another eyewitness who spoke to Vanguard identified himself as Joseph Okonkwo. Okonkwo who said he is a journalist said his office was located at Emab Plaza. He said he writes for Legis Magazine based in Abuja.
Said he: “As I was entering Emab Plaza, yesterday (Wednesday), I walked past a particular shop I normally go to which is close to the gate. I later saw the person I went to visit and discussed with him after which I suddenly heard a big bang. A lot of things flew into the air. I saw a lot of smoke.
“I began to run and when I was about to jump a fence, I saw some people whose skin had been peeled by the heat generated by the blast. They were trying to jump too. Everybody ran to the back side because the explosion occurred at the gate. Some people who were close to me were affected by the blast. The impact of the blast is still disturbing me. I was psychologically affected but physically okay.”