ABUJA BOMB BLAST: Police Confirm 21 Dead, 17 Injured In The Explosion (PHOTOS/VIDEO)

The explosion apparently occurred at the gate of the busy plaza.

Emergency officials evacuated the injured and dead bodies to Maitama District Hospital.

As a result of the number of casualties, some victims were reported to have received treatment outside the hospital premises.

Meanwhile the medical Director at the Maitama General Hospital confirmed 12 dead and 35 injured with at least 30 bodies with three completely dismembered, several others injured and many cars burnt in the bomb blast.

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The Police Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba who arrived the blast scene confirmed it was a bomb explosion saying: 'Our most important assignment now is to secure lives, secure crime scene," he said.

He, however could not say the nature and type of the explosive used or confirm the number of casualties but he has appealed to Abuja residents to stay away from explosion area while stressing that the police is working with other security and emergency officials at the scene.

Authorities at the scene of  the blast are also yet to confirm the mode of the attack. Although some traders claimed the bomb went off in a car that was driving into the mall, others claim the bombers rode on a bike and threw-in the explosive before speeding away.

Meanwhile a police officer have lamented the laack of security at the plaza saying: "Nothing, they don't search cars, booths, anybody can just drive in," he said.

The bomb blast is coming some months after an explosion rocked Nyanya in Abuja in May which left many dead and several others injured.

Some more photos of the bomb blast below

At the scene of the explosion it is reported that everywhere is calm while security officers are still inspecting the scene which left deep hole at the spot of the explosion.

The FCT minister, Bala Bohammed visited with promises of better security and the minister of the state, Olajumoke Akinjide also visited and promised free medical treatment for the injured.

According to Frank Mba, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has ordered increased security presence and surveillance in and around FCT Metropolis.

The security Forces are taking measured steps to strengthen all soft targets and critical infrastructure in a bid to improve overall public safety.

Security agencies have begun investigations into the bomb blast, while the Police Bomb Disposal Squad have commenced post-blast analysis as part of the general investigative process.

The IGP has urged the members of the public to remain vigilant and to stay away from scenes of explosion so as not to fall victim in a likely case of secondary blast.