At least five persons have been confirmed dead in the blast that occurred in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, this morning.
Our reporter on ground said the casualty figure is much higher but the five are those certified dead by hospital authorities.
Bodies of victims are still being picked from the spot affected mainly by the blast on Abubakar Way, Jalingo.
It was learnt that the injured are being treated at the Jalingo Specialist Hospital.
Reports say government and commercial activities have been partially paralysed owing to the blast.
Abubakar Way, where the blast occurred, is close to the old secretariat of the Taraba State Government, which still houses a number of the state’s ministries and parastatals.
This morning’s blast is the first in the state since dreaded sect, Boko Haram, launched its offensive on the nation.