19 killed in car bomb in Nigerian capital, Abuja, 2nd in 3 weeks

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The death toll from a car bomb that exploded on a busy road in Nigeria’s capital rose to at least 19 overnight, police said today from the city that within days hosts an international conference.

The bomb was driven near a checkpoint where traffic built up, located across the road from a busy bus station where a massive explosion on April 14 killed at least 75 people. That blast was claimed by the Islamic extremist Boko Haram terrorist network in a video April 19 that threatened further assaults.

The government is deploying 6,000 police to protect the May 7-9 World Economic Forum on Africa, with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang as an honored guest, in Abuja, and Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan last week assured delegates they would be safe. It attracts world leaders, policymakers, philanthropists and business leaders to discuss Africa’s economic growth prospects.

The explosion occurred in a working class suburb just a 15-minute drive from the presidential villa and the hotel venue of the conference.

Police Superintendent Frank Mba told reporters today the toll is up to 19 dead with as many wounded being treated in the hospitals. Six cars were burned up in the blast, he said.