Lagos, Nigeria (CNN) -- The death toll after Friday's blasts near the Justice Ministry in Nigeria's capital now stands at 12, a presidential spokesman told CNN on Saturday.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, known as MEND, claimed responsibility for the attack in Abuja as the West African country celebrated 50 years of independence.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan later called the action a terror attack that was designed to "disrupt" the anniversary, said presidential spokesman Imo Niboro.
But he said it had nothing to do with Niger Delta issues or MEND.
MEND, which represents militants in the oil-rich Niger Delta, is an umbrella organization of several rebel groups. It has been battling the government for years over fairer distribution of the country's oil wealth.
The explosions struck not long after the group warned crowds Friday to evacuate the venues of the event. Others were wounded in the bombings and many vehicles were damaged.
CNN
