Abuja UN Building Bombed •18 Killed, Several Others On Danger List •Boko Haram Claims Responsibility

Posted by admin Boko Haram, National Politics, Top Stories, United Nations Saturday, August 27th, 2011

No fewer than 18 people were feared dead and 48 injured when a suicide bomber attacked the United Nations office in Abuja on Friday. The attacker, reportedly drove through the exit and pulled down the first and second gates and entered the compound.

According to a source, the attacker immediately alighted from a Honda Accord car and went straight to the reception of the office, where he detonated the bomb which rocked the building with some part collapsing.

The source revealed that the attack, which occurred at about 10.30am took everyone by surprise, while all the windows in the office were shattered with casualties lying all over the place.

The staff strength of the building was put at 1,000, while policemen who are in the premises are not allowed to carry arms, according to U.N standards.

Only security guards in uniforms man the main gate of the office, while just one gate is the only entry and exit entrance into the premises, as the exit gate was permanently locked as part of security measures.

All security agencies: the Army, Airforce, Navy, Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Brigade of Guards Commander, Fire Service, were at the premises to evacuate the corpses and the injured ones.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, who was on his way from Kaduna on an official assignment, drove straight to the UN office to access the situation on ground.

The injured victims were all moved to the National Hospital, where the management of the hospital appealled to Nigerians to come forward and donate blood.

The area was immediately cordoned off by the military and the police, while people who trooped into the scene were chased away.

Briefing newsmen later at the scene, the FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Mike Zuokumor, said only 18 people died and 18 injured, but added that the actual figure would be announced later.

According to him, the vehicle, filled with explosives smashed the first and second gate of the exit of the office before the occupant immediately went to the reception and detonated the bombs to bring down the building.

He said the attacker, was cut into three parts when the bomb exploded.

Zuokumor assured Nigerians that evil could not triumph over light, as “darkness and light are at parallel lines”.

The CP announced that with time, all the evil perpetrators would be apprehended and prosecuted.

He said, “even yesterday, we strengthened our security in all the entry and exit points of Abuja.” When asked whether any group had claimed responsibility for the attack, Zuokumor said an investigation is on.

Security was tightened in all entry points to Abuja while key points and government buildings were seriously manned by gun wielding soldiers and policemen.

Everywhere in the FCT remained calm, as residents were seen rushing home in their cars.

-Tribunewp_posts