Canadian government warns against non-essential travel to Nigeria

Burnt, damaged cars are seen in the foreground as people gather at the site of an explosion at a bus park in Abuja, Nigeria, Monday, April. 14, 2014. (AP / Sunday Alamba)

The federal government is warning Canadians against any non-essential travel to Nigeria after violence that has plagued the country’s northeast spread to the capital Monday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs issued the warning Monday afternoon, hours after an explosion tore through a bus station in Abuja during the busy morning rush, killing at least 71 people, authorities said. More than 120 people were wounded in what’s being called the deadliest terror attack ever in Nigeria’s capital.

The travel advisory covers all of Nigeria, with the exception of parts of Abuja, Calabar and Lagos, “where you should exercise a high degree of caution,” the federal agency warns.

“The security situation throughout the country is unpredictable, and there is a significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings,” the statement went on.

In a separate statement to CTV News, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said “Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms this cowardly terrorist attack during rush hour at a busy bus station in Abuja. On behalf of all Canadians, we extend our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the innocent victims of this attack.

“Such brutal acts of terror cannot be allowed to go unpunished. Canada reaffirms its support to Nigeria as it combats terrorism.”

While no group has claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan blamed Boko Haram, an Islamic extremist group that has largely focused its activities in the northeast, killing thousands of people. The group had threatened to attack the capital.

The same travel advisory warns Canadians against “all travel” to a number of regions in the northern and middle states in Nigeria “due to the high risk of terrorism, inter-communal violence and kidnapping.”