Confusion as explosions rock Abuja shopping plaza

Confusion enveloped the Shagari Plaza
on Moshood Abiola Way, Garki-Area
one, Abuja, on Thursday over successive
explosions in the shopping complex.
Customers and residents of the area
fled the neighborhood fearing that the
explosions, which occurred in quick
succession, were the handiwork of
violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, and
could be bomb blasts.
An eyewitness said the first explosion
occurred at about 5:17pm when a gas
cylinder exploded.
A jeep parked close to the gas dispenser
went up in flame.
The gas retailer, who tried to recover
his money kept under one of the
cylinders was also caught in the
explosion while trying to save his
earnings for the day.
"He kept it under one of the cylinders.
As he was trying to take the money,
another cylinder exploded", the
eyewitness, who did not give his name,
said.
Another eyewitness said the retailer
took delivery of the gas supply on
Wednesday.
"They just supplied him the gas
yesterday. We are surprised because we
still don't know what happened. We
only heard a big bang," he said.
The retailer was said to be receiving
treatment at an undisclosed hospital as
of press time.
Stern looking soldiers were seen leaving
the plaza when our correspondents got
there.
No one was ready to speak on the
explosions.