Confusion enveloped the Shagari Plaza on Moshood Abiola Way, Garki-Area one, Abuja, on Thursday over successive explosions in the shopping complex. Customers and residents of the area fled the neighborhood fearing that the explosions, which occurred in quick succession, were the handiwork of violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, and could be bomb blasts.

An eyewitness said the first explosion occurred at about 5:17pm when a gas cylinder exploded.

A jeep parked close to the gas dispenser went up in flame.

The gas retailer, who tried to recover his money kept under one of the cylinders was also caught in the explosion while trying to save his earnings for the day.

"He kept it under one of the cylinders. As he was trying to take the money, another cylinder exploded", the eyewitness, who did not give his name, said.

Another eyewitness said the retailer took delivery of the gas supply on Wednesday.

"They just supplied him the gas yesterday. We are surprised because we still don't know what happened. We only heard a big bang," he said.

The retailer was said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital as of press time.

Stern looking soldiers were seen leaving the plaza when our correspondents got there.

No one was ready to speak on the explosions.