Wide Condemnation Trails Abuja Bomb Blast

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Senate, Ihedioha, Saraki, SERAP, Others Mourn Victims

Wide condemnation has trailed the twin explosions that rocked the Nyanya Motor Park in Abuja on Monday.

The Senate condemned the early morning bomb blast at the Nyanya motor park, located in the ever busy sprawling suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, describing the incident as callous and wickedly.

A statement by its Spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the bomb blast, which claimed scores of lives is one incident by the evil minds that should prick Nigeria's collective consciousness.

Senate, he said, is worried at the dimension the orgy of terrorists attacks and its devilish activities is assuming.

'The Senate bleeds also on the very harrowing fact that innocent lives of Nigerians, whose only sin is to go out to look for their daily bread would be so slaughtered in this manner.

'Senate is still bemoaning the unending massacre of our people in some states in the North East, the latest being the killings in Borno state on Sunday and now this one', he said.

The Senate, according to Abaribe, is calling on the security agencies to step up their game and be more proactive, because the country cannot continue in this way.

'The blame game should be over, the security agencies must step up their game and be more proactive.

The country is indeed bleeding of the blood of her innocent ones who are daily being cut down by the evil minds.

'Senate therefore, consoles the families of the dead and wish the wounded quick recovery while also urging Nigerians to remain steadfast as the Government intensifies effort to tackle the ugly menace ', he said.

The Senate's condemnation came as the Soccio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) said 'the unlawful and unnecessary killings of many Nigerians today (Monday) at the Nyanya Motor Park, Abuja show that the measures the government is taking to tackle the Boko Haram phenomenon are inadequate and simply not working.

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The organisation urged President Goodluck Jonathan to 'show leadership and urgently initiate fundamental changes in the security strategy to end continuing civilian casualties, and a climate of insecurity across the country.

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In the statement signed by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni the group said ; 'Nigerians have heard promises from this government before that it would take all possible steps to prevent bombing tragedies and citizens' deaths and injuries.

'But if this government is to be taken seriously on its promises to protect the citizens, this latest explosion needs to be the last of its kind.

The government must now come up with a blueprint to end continuing bombing tragedies.

'As a first step, the government must swiftly, transparently and thoroughly investigate the killings, make the findings public and bring anyone suspected to be involved to justice.

Nigerians are reeling from so much loss, and this government should do everything possible to ensure that disasters like Nyanya Motor Park are not repeated.

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Former governor of Kwara State ,Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in a statement , also described the incident as baffling and shocking, lamenting that the growing insecurity which has spanned over three years unabated has threatened the unity of the nation, and weaken the country's socio-economic and political strength.

'It is unfortunate that in the face of this growing insurgencies, the Federal Government has been unable to overcome the challenge and provide adequate and holistic approach to security for the lives and properties of Nigerians,' he said.

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The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon.

Emeka Ihedioha,also condemned in strong terms the Monday morning blast which claimed several lives and left many injured at Nyanya, an outskirt of Abuja.

The deputy speaker,In a statement signed by his Chief Press secretary, Oke Epia, said perpetrators of the blast have committed a mindless, heinous and unwarranted wickedness against innocent lives that have been cut short in another unexplainable orgy of bloodletting.

He urged security agencies to go the extra mile to bring those behind the dastardly act to book while offering deep condolences to the families that have lost loved ones and those injured in the unfortunate incident.

According to him, Nigerians of goodwill join those affected in this national moment of grief as they are not alone in this trying time of violence and insurgency plaguing the country.

He called for prayers for Nigeria and urged members of the public to be extra vigilant and offer necessary cooperation to security agents as they strive to tackle insecurity in the land.

Also, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, has appealed to terrorists in the country to have a change of heart and stop the killing innocent citizens.

The Senator, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District made the plea in a statement issued by his media assistant, Mr.

Michael Jegede.
He Condemning the action of those responsible for the bomb explosion, Abatemi-Usman described the incident which was confirmed to have claimed over 71 lives and left 124 people injured with 16 luxury buses razed and 24 others destroyed, as barbaric and ruthless, wondering what the perpetrators intend to achieve from their heinous act.

'I sympathise with the families of the victims of the ugly incident of bomb explosion that took place today (Monday) at a motor park in Nyanya, Abuja.

May God grant the families of the deceased the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses and quick recovery to those that sustained varying degrees of injuries.

'It is sad that we have continued to witness on a daily basis the unjustified massacre of guiltless Nigerians from different parts of the country, particularly, the northern region.

'I just cannot imagine why some people do not have single regard for the sanctity of human lives and would for whatever reason resort to the wanton killing of their fellow human beings,' Abatemi-Usman said.

He added; 'The time has come for us to come together as a people, regardless of tribe, ethnic groupings, religion and political affiliations to assist the government and security agencies in tackling this menace of terrorism that is hitting us in the face.

'Government on its part must intensify effort in dealing with the issue.

We cannot continue like this.
These killings must stop.
Those behind it must have a rethink, embrace dialogue and allow peace to reign supreme in our country.

We cannot continue to live in fear and sleep with our eyes open.

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EMMA UCHE, ABUJA