subject: Car Explosions in Abuja During Nigerian Independence Celebrations Kill 8 [print this page] Militants from Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta set off several small bombs in the capital during ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of independence. Police in Nigeria say at least eight people have been killed and several others injured.
Two car bombs went off in Abuja and there was also a smaller explosion nearer the parade grounds all claimed by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta which issued a statement saying there is nothing worth celebrating after 50 years of failure.
The explosions did not disrupt the independence ceremonies where President Goodluck Jonathan said that on this day in 1960 the new citizens of a new country were full of hopes.
"Nigerians were filled with expectations as the Union Jack was lowered and the green-white-green flag was raised in its place," said President Jonathan. "A new country was born. A new journey had started on a route never taken before. The future was pregnant with promise."
In a written statement, the president's office said the bombings are a "low, dirty and wicked act of desperation by criminals and murderers." It said the president grieves with families who have lost loved ones and wants those behind the attacks to know that they will be found and "will pay dearly for this heinous crime."
Over the last 50 years, that promise has not always been delivered on as Nigeria suffered through a civil war and long years of military rule. Today, President Jonathan says many Nigerians believe the dreams and expectations of independence have not been fulfilled.
"Not only do people despair over the slow pace of progress, some have in fact given up on the country," added Jonathan. "Some believe that if the colonial masters had stayed longer, Nigeria may have been better for it. Our troubles and our
Car Explosions in Abuja During Nigerian Independence Celebrations Kill 8
