Many feared dead in bomb attack on UN building in Abuja

A bomb has ripped through the UN building in the Nigerian capital Abuja killing at least seven people and leaving scores of others injured. Parts of the first two floors of the building were blown out and rescue workers are scrambling to rescue those left inside. 

Reuters/Afolabi Sodtunde

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but an Islamist sect known as Boko Haram has been blamed for scores of bombings in recent months.

A bomb blast that rocked national police headquarters in Abuja in June was claimed by the group.

The UN building is located in Abuja's diplomatic zone, not far from the US Embassy, and houses a number of United Nations agencies.

Most of the attacks blamed on Boko Haram have taken place in the country's northeast, but a number have occurred elsewhere, including the previous explosion in Abuja as well as several in Suleija near the capital.

The sect launched an uprising in 2009 put down by a brutal military assault that left hundreds dead. It went dormant for about a year before re-emerging in 2010 with a series of assassinations of security personnel and politicians, as well as religious and community leaders.

There have been growing concerns that the sect has formed links with extremist groups outside of Nigeria, including Al-Qaeda's north African branch.