7 Killed in Blasts Near Nigeria Independence Celebration

Police in Nigeria's capital say at least seven people have been killed in explosions near the country's independence day celebrations. Witnesses in Abuja say two car bombs exploded within minutes of each other Friday, with the second bomb killing people who had gathered after the first blast. Police say the seven dead include a police officer. Those explosions occurred in front of a federal court building. A third, smaller explosion went off at the Eagle Square parade grounds during ceremonies marking Nigeria's
50 years of independence.
The ceremonies, including a long military parade, went ahead as planned, in the presence of President Goodluck Jonathan and other dignitaries. Nigeria's most prominent militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, had warned of the explosions about an hour before they occurred. MEND has history of attacks, including assaults against foreign oil companies.