13 Killed in Blast at Nigerian Viewing Center | WPN World People News

A bomb blast at a site where Nigerian soccer fans had gathered to watch the World Cup has killed at least 13 people.

Witnesses and medical officials said Wednesday that at least 20 other people were injured in the blast, which took place on Tuesday in the northeastern town of Damaturu.

Scores of people had gathered at an outdoor viewing center in Damaturu to watch the match between Brazil and Mexico on large screens.

Witnesses say a bomb that appeared to have been hidden in a tricycle taxi exploded shortly after the match got under way.

There were no initial claims of responsibility.

Damaturu is the capital of Yobe State, one of three northeastern regions that have been under a state of emergency following a string of deadly attacks linked to the Boko Haram Islamist militant group.

Last week, authorities in Adamawa and Plateau states ordered viewing centers closed because of a fear of possible attacks.

Boko Haram militants have killed thousands of people during their five-year insurgency to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria's northeast, with attacks on schools, churches, mosques, bus stations and other public places.

Source: Voice of America