Nigeria Explosion Kills 13 At World Cup Viewing Center

At least 13 people including young children were killed when a bomb tore through a venue in Northeast Nigeria where fans had gathered to watch a World Cup soccer match, witnesses said.

Some people at the scene told Reuters an attacker dropped a device in front of the venue on Tuesday night in the town of Damaturu and ran off, while others said it was the work of a suicide bomber.

No one claimed responsibility for the blast, but Damaturu and the surrounding Yobe state are at the heart of a five-year-old insurgency by Islamist group Boko Haram.

The group was blamed for a an attack on another venue screening soccer matches in the northeastern state of Adamawa that killed at least 14 people and wounded 12..

A Reuters reporter at Damaturu's General Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital counted 13 people dead - including small children - and at least 20 wounded.

The Nigerian government has advised people to avoid gathering in public to watch the World Cup, concerned about potential attacks.

Many fans in soccer-mad Africa rely on informal venues - often open-sided structures with televisions set up in shops and side streets - to watch live coverage of the sport.

culled from Reuters

US embassy in Nigeria warns of possible terror attack on Sheraton Hotel in Lagos

The United States Embassy in Nigeria today Friday May 2nd issued a warning to U.S citizens, asking them to avoid Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, and also said 'groups associated with terrorism' are planning an attack on Sheraton Hotel in Lagos.

The warning was posted on their website .
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nigeria and recommends that U.S. citizens avoid all travel to Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states because of the May 14, 2013 state of emergency proclamation for those three states by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As of late April, groups associated with terrorism allegedly planned to mount an unspecified attack against the Sheraton Hotel in Nigeria, near the city of Lagos. There was no further information regarding which of the two Sheraton Hotels in Lagos was the possible target, or if both of the Sheraton Hotels are possible targets. There is no further information regarding the timing or method of attack. U.S. citizens are cautioned to avoid these hotels at this time.

The security situation in the country remains fluid and unpredictable. The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens in Nigeria to keep personal safety and health in the forefront of your planning. We remind U.S. citizens to review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.

The Department strongly advises U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Nigeria to enrol in the State Department's Smart Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enrol directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. STEP enrolment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in an emergency.