At least more than ten people have been killed and several others wounded after two car bombs exploded in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, as the country marks its 50th independence anniversary.


The explosives detonated on the parade grounds surrounding Eagle Square, where celebrations were under way on Friday morning. 

A third, smaller explosion also hit closer to Eagle Square, where the president stood with other dignitaries, injuring one person.

The celebrations seem to continue despite the blast, as the body bags were being removed from Eagle Square, there was a 21 gun salute [...], and all sort of displays are still going on.

President Goodluck Jonathan, dressed in his traditional black fedora hat and dark suit, had inspected ranks of soldiers from the back of an open-top jeep and left in an armoured limousine without making a scheduled national address.

Earlier on Friday morning rebels from the oil-producing area; Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), threatened to bomb celebrations in the city. In an email, fighters from the Niger delta said bombs had been planted at the venue of Friday's lavish parade attended by senior officials and foreign dignitaries.


"Several explosive devices have been successfully planted in and around the venue by our operatives working inside the government security services," the email, signed by Jomo Gbomo, said.



The message urged people to evacuate by 09:30 GMT.

"In evacuating the area, keep a safe distance from vehicles and trash bins."



However, television footage of the parade at the time the deadline expired showed no reaction by security forces.

The act shows that the security forces on the ground have not been effective because they could have protected the area better. The attackers seem to have backing from inside the security forces. This is a rather embarrassing concern for the government.