Nigeria marks 51 years of independence

Nigeria has marked 51 years of independence in a low-key ceremony, prompted by security fears that followed a series of deadly blasts across Africa’s most populous nation.

President Goodluck Jonathan vows to secure his country following deadly blasts that recently targeted a UN building in the capital Abuja.

Massive security was deployed in the capital, Abuja, as Jonathan, dignitaries and foreign diplomats watched soldiers parade in a ceremony at the presidential villa.

Nigeria typically holds memorial ceremonies at the capital’s Eagle Square parade ground, open to the public, but authorities moved the event to the secure villa amid fears that the Muslim group known as Boko Haram could carry out fresh attacks.

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