Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
October 3, 2015 – President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned in the strongest terms the latest terror attacks in Nigeria and particularly the bombings of three locations in Abuja.
Suspected members of the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram on Friday attacked, Nyanya motor park, the Kuje Police Station and the Kuje market leaving at least 17 people dead in a ratio of 3 at Nyanya and 14 at the two locations in Kuje and several others injured.
Speaking at one of the three locations, Commissioner of Police, Counterterrorism Squad, Mr. Shuaib Gambo told Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, and Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr. David Babachir Lawal that three people died in the Nyanya incident and two of them were the suspects who detonated the bombs.
Briefing journalists after visiting the National Hospital where most of the injured are receiving treatment, Lawal confirmed that 17 lives were lost in the Abuja bombing.
“ At the Nyanya motor park, there were three deaths that included two of the suicide bombers. At the two Kuje scenes, we recorded 14 deaths including one suicide bomber. Scores of people were injured at all three sites. Some were with minor injuries and were treated and discharged at the several hospitals. Those with serious injuries were brought to this Trauma Centre and they are receiving treatment. Of course, the level of treatment will be diverse because the injuries are different,” he said.
However in a statement, President Muhammadu Buhari described the attacks in Maiduguri, Yola and Abuja as apparently timed to coincide with Independence Day celebrations when Nigerians would be commemorating and rejoicing.
“The President condoles with the families of the dead and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured. These cowardly attacks expose the real face of the planners and perpetrators of these crimes. What quarrel do they have with the good people of Nyanya motor park? What issue do they have with innocent people in market places in Maiduguri and Yola?”, the President queried in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.
“It is clear this battle is not ideological. It is between the forces of peace and order and the evil forces of murder and destruction. Security forces and other local authorities have been instructed to maintain extra vigilance to forestall future attacks. The Armed Forces have been empowered to crush what remains of Boko Haram. This government is determined to stamp out Boko Haram and all other terrorists of whatever persuasions and bring all sponsors to justice”, he said.
