The federal government is warning Canadians against any non-essential travel to Nigeria after violence that has plagued the country鈥檚 northeast spread to the capital Monday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs issued the Monday afternoon, hours after an explosion tore through a bus station in Abuja during the busy morning rush, killing at least 71 people, authorities said. More than 120 people were wounded in what鈥檚 being called the deadliest terror attack ever in Nigeria鈥檚 capital.
The travel advisory covers all of Nigeria, with the exception of parts of Abuja, Calabar and Lagos, 鈥渨here you should exercise a high degree of caution,鈥� the federal agency warns.
鈥淭he security situation throughout the country is unpredictable, and there is a significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings,鈥� the statement went on.
In a separate statement to 麻豆影视, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said 鈥淐anada condemns in the strongest possible terms this cowardly terrorist attack during rush hour at a busy bus station in Abuja. On behalf of all Canadians, we extend our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the innocent victims of this attack.
鈥淪uch brutal acts of terror cannot be allowed to go unpunished. Canada reaffirms its support to Nigeria as it combats terrorism.鈥�
While no group has claimed responsibility for Monday鈥檚 attack, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan blamed Boko Haram, an Islamic extremist group that has largely focused its activities in the northeast, killing thousands of people. The group had threatened to attack the capital.
The same travel advisory warns Canadians against 鈥渁ll travel鈥� to a number of regions in the northern and middle states in Nigeria 鈥渄ue to the high risk of terrorism, inter-communal violence and kidnapping.鈥�
