UN MARKS ONE YEAR REMEMBRANCE OF THE SUICIDE BOMB BLAST IN ABUJA

One year ago today, a lone suicide bomber riding a Honda car detonated some Improvised Explosive Devices in the UN House also known as Aruba House. The attack claimed 23 lives, made up of 13 UN staff and 10 non-UN staff.
 The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi, on Sunday in Abuja reiterated Nigeria’s resolve to combat terrorism with all powers whenever it raised its head.

“Nigeria was greatly wounded by the bombing of the UN building last year. We have vivid memory of what happened at the incidence. It was painful because Nigeria has been so dedicated to peace-keeping in the world.We mourn with all the grieving families. We pray God to grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and quick recovery for all the injured so that they can resume their duties shortly,” he said, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

“Exactly one year ago, what had never happened in the history of Nigeria happened.

“My 16-year-old daughter was in the UN building on the day of the bomb blast, but she escaped. So, I am one of the high government officials directly touched.”

In his address, the Resident Coordinator, UN System in Nigeria, Mr. Daouda Toure, reaffirmed that the UN System in Nigeria would continue its mission to assist in improving the lives of poor people to conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy.

“On the occasion of this solemn one year anniversary, the UN teams in Nigeria (composed of agencies and organisations) once again presents its deepest condolences to the families of victims,” he noted.

He reiterated their “gratitude to the Government of and people of Nigeria from all walks of life, irrespective of their religious, philosophical or political beliefs, for their active support, solidarity and commitment to the mission of the UN throughout this difficult period’’.