Seven die in UN Nigeria HQ bomb

At least seven people are dead after a car bomb attack wrecked the United Nations’ main office in Nigeria’s capital, a rescue official said today.

Witnesses said that a sedan broke through the exit at the UN compound in Abuja, ramming through two separate gates as guards tried to stop the vehicle.

They said the suicide bomber inside drove the car just up to the main reception of the building before detonating, inflicting the most damage possible.

A local hospital administrator said it had treated as many as 40 victims so far, with more people coming in.

UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq in New York said: “There are some indications of fatalities, but we are trying to get confirmation.”

Workers brought three large cranes to the building by midday, trying to pull away the concrete and rubble to try and find survivors.

Others at the site stood around, stunned, as medical workers began carrying out what appeared to be the dead.

“This is getting out of hand,” said a UN staffer who identified himself as Bodunrin. “If they can get into the UN House, they can reach anywhere.”

Ali Tikko, who was in a building 100 yards from the site of the blast, said: “I heard one big boom.” Outside his window he could see a part of the damage.

“I see a number of people lying on the floor – at least four or five. I cannot see if they are dead. There are a lot of security around,” he said.