Graphic Photos: At least 18 reported dead, 21 injured in Gombe explosion of this morning

Following a devastating explosion in Gombe's busy Dukku motorpark area Monday, Dec. 22, Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has evacuated all affected individuals to Gombe State Specialist Hospital.

The explosion, which occurred at around 10:56 a.m. Monday morning, claimed 18 lives, and left over 20 injured.
Witnesses say the explosion happened inside a commerical car headed to a nearby town. "The bomb exploded around 9:30 a.m. inside a local commerical car that was used to transport passengers from Gombe to Bajoga town," a witness said. "The place was very crowded."
"Two people, a woman and a young man, were dropped off in the park claiming to be [heading] to Bajoga. A few moments after setling in the car the bomb exploded," the witness further reported.
A press officer for NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel, has encouraged members of the public to remain alert and on guard. "The National Emergency Management Agency advises the public to be vigilant and report all suspected movements to security operatives," Ezekiel said.