Nigerian President Tries to Shift Blame for Abuja Bombing

More information has emerged on the Oct. 1 Independence Day bombings in Nigeria that killed at least 10 people. British and possibly U.S. intelligence agencies had reportedly warned the Nigerian State Security Service that militants may target the event and advised them to take several tactical countermeasures to secure the areas surrounding the Independence Day parade. While some of the advice was heeded, a lack of preparation by security forces likely contributed to the death toll. The attack was the work of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, but President Goodluck Jonathan (who hails from the Delta) is seeking to blame the attack on his northern opponents in the upcoming presidential election while at the same time trying to prove he can maintain control over militants from the restive region.