Abuja, Apr 8: At least 50 people were feared killed in two car bomb explosions near a church during Easter Sunday services in the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna, eye- witnesses and emergency services said.
 Shehu Sani, the President of Civil Rights Congress based in Kaduna, said two explosions took place at the Assemblies of God's Church near the centre of the city with a large Christian population and known as a major cultural and economic centre in Nigeria's north.
 "There were two explosions and the casualty figure may go up because some injuries were really critical," he said on phone.
 Another resident of the city, Miss Blessing Audu told PTI that the explosion has caused panic among Christians celebrating Easter.
 She said some parts of the church were damaged even as the vibration caused by the explosives were heard in several parts of the city.
 An emergency worker on condition of anonymity explained that the bombs were planted in two cars near the church.
 At least 50 people were feared killed and casualties may rise from the blasts as many were critical.
 He said his agency has been able to recover 20 bodies from the site.
 Police spokesman Aminu Lawal confirmed the incident to PTI but sought more time before making a formal statement.
 Ahead of Easter celebrations, the US and the UK had warned of possible bomb attacks, advising its citizens against travelling to certain parts of the country.
 No one has yet claimed responsibility for the bombings, but the BBC reported that Boko Haram recently said it would carry out attacks in the area over the Easter holiday.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 8 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 8 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 9 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST