Abuja, March 04: At least three people have been killed and 21 others injured in a bomb explosion at a rally being held by the ruling party near Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
Police say the bomb was thrown by people in a moving vehicle intending to target supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), AFP reported. The bomb, instead, exploded amid vendors separate from the rally.
“Some people in a moving vehicle threw an explosive at a rally organized by the PDP in Suleja,” Nigeria’s national police spokesman Olusola Amore said.
“The bomb did not land at the perimeter of the rally but at a place where some vendors were selling vegetables,” he continued.
No person or group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The country is due to hold general elections next month to elect a president, legislators and state governors.
The blast is the latest in a wave of bomb explosions to rock Nigeria.
Earlier this month four people were killed and at least three others wounded after gunmen attacked a police station and bank in northern Nigeria.
Dozens of people have been killed recently in different cities across Nigeria in attacks believed to be connected with political competitions for the impending presidential vote.
Incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, who is running for reelection, has promoted himself under a ticket to relieve poverty and improve the economy.
Former military ruler General Muhammadu Buhari has been nominated by the opposition Congress for Progressive Change party. He has vowed to fight corruption which he alleges exists under PDP rule.
——–Agencies