This major bombing has been just a few kilometres (miles) from the seat of the government. The explosion initiated from a parked vehicle. President Goodluck Jonathan vowed that Nigeria would overcome the brutal insurgency being waged by Boko Haram. They killed thousands across the north and center of the country since 2009. The Islamists want to create a strict Islamic state in northern Nigeria.
Bus parking zones have been among Boko Haram’s preferred targets even if checkpoints are set up daily on major roads throughout the city. Recently the military launched a massive offensive to crush the Islamist uprising but the results are uncertain. This attack was aimed at sending a message to the government that the insurgents are very strong yet. “We are outraged by this senseless act of violence against innocent civilians,” the US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters. To help Nigeria, the US State Department has offered a $7 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau.
