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118 people die in twin blasts in Nigeria's Jos

No one has assumed the responsibility for the terrorist attacks yet, but many experts say radical Islamist organization Boko Haram may be behind the blasts

RABAT, May 21. /ITAR-TASS/. Two explosions have occurred in the Nigerian city of Jos on May 20, killing at least 118 people and injuring 56 more, the country’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported.

"The death toll stands at 118. This is the number of victims recovered from the scene of the explosions, but we are still searching through the smoldering debris for more bodies," said Mohammed Abdulsalam, coordinator for the NEMA in Jos.

The blasts occurred in the busy area of the city, where many markets and offices are located. The attacks were planned in such a way as to inflict the biggest damage.

Plateue State Commissioner Chris Olakpe said the first explosion went off at around 15.00 pm. The second blast followed after 20-30 minutes, when people gathered at the scene to help the injured, Olakpe added.

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan condemned the terrorist attacks and called them “cruel and evil”. Jonathan said he was committed to fighting terrorism in the country.

No one has assumed the responsibility for the terrorist attacks yet. However, many experts say radical Islamist organization Boko Haram may be behind the blasts in Jos.