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Nigerian city of Jos rocked by twin blasts Nigerian twin bomb explosions 'kill dozens' in Jos
(35 minutes later)
Heavy casualties are feared following two loud explosions near a crowded market in the volatile central Nigerian city of Jos. Dozens of people have been killed by two bomb explosions in the volatile central Nigerian city of Jos, witnesses say.
The BBC's Ishaq Khalid, in neighbouring Bauchi, says the market was very crowded at the time. Journalist Hassan Ibrahim told the BBC he saw at least 40 bodies in a hospital in Jos, with more being brought in.
The cause of the blasts has not been confirmed. Jos has seen several deadly clashes between Christian and Muslim groups in recent years. He says tension is rising in the area, with youths blocking some roads.
Islamist group Boko Haram has also previously targeted the area. Jos has seen several deadly clashes between Christian and Muslim groups in recent years. Islamist group Boko Haram has also previously targeted the area.
A suicide attack in the northern city of Kano on Monday killed four people.A suicide attack in the northern city of Kano on Monday killed four people.
Abducted girlsAbducted girls
A regional official confirmed there had been two blasts in Jos, the capital of Plateau state, but told Agence France-Presse news agency that he did not have any casualty figures yet. A spokesperson for the regional governor confirmed to Agence France-Presse that scores had been killed in Jos, most of them women.
A military spokesman told AFP one bomb had been placed in a truck and another in a minibus, but this has not been independently confirmed. The BBC's Will Ross in Abuja says the bombs were in a lorry and a minibus and exploded several minutes apart - one in a shopping area and one not far from a hospital.
He says that although Boko Haram has previously targeted Jos, the capital of Plateau state, the city has been relatively calm for almost two years.
Plateau state lies on the fault-line which divides Nigeria's largely Muslim north from its mainly Christian south.Plateau state lies on the fault-line which divides Nigeria's largely Muslim north from its mainly Christian south.
The state has been dogged by violence blamed on land disputes between semi-nomadic Muslim Fulani herdsmen and mainly Christian Berom farmers. The state has witnessed violence blamed on land disputes between semi-nomadic Muslim Fulani herdsmen and mainly Christian Berom farmers.
The Nigerian government is also currently trying to trace more than 200 girls captured by Boko Haram in April from a boarding school in the north-eastern town of Chibok.The Nigerian government is also currently trying to trace more than 200 girls captured by Boko Haram in April from a boarding school in the north-eastern town of Chibok.
The case has shocked the world and prompted foreign powers to send military advisers to assist Nigeria's army tackle the insurgency.The case has shocked the world and prompted foreign powers to send military advisers to assist Nigeria's army tackle the insurgency.
On Tuesday, parliament approved a six-month extension of a state of emergency in three north-eastern states - Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.On Tuesday, parliament approved a six-month extension of a state of emergency in three north-eastern states - Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
More than 1,000 people have been killed in Boko Haram attacks this year but the government says it has pushed the militants back into their strongholds in Borno.More than 1,000 people have been killed in Boko Haram attacks this year but the government says it has pushed the militants back into their strongholds in Borno.
Boko Haram is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state.Boko Haram is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state.
Nigeria's violence is not confined to the north.Nigeria's violence is not confined to the north.
Earlier this month a car bomb in the capital Abuja killed at least 19 people and injured 60 more.Earlier this month a car bomb in the capital Abuja killed at least 19 people and injured 60 more.
The explosion happened close to a bus station where at least 70 people died in a bomb blast on 14 April.The explosion happened close to a bus station where at least 70 people died in a bomb blast on 14 April.
Are you in the area? Did you witness the explosions? You can send us your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject line 'Jos'.Are you in the area? Did you witness the explosions? You can send us your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject line 'Jos'.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
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