MEND’s spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo explained that bombings and attacks carried out by the group are always preceded by a warning in other to prevent casualties, and followed by a statement of claim.

MEND which carried out the October 1, 2010 attacks in Abuja which claimed over 12 lives has however condemned  the deliberate targeting of civilians by any persons or groups for what so ever reasons.

In a statement yesterday, the Press Secretary at the British High Commission in Abuja, Hooman Nouruzi quoted the UK
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Jeremy Browne as saying Britain was saddened by the attacks, and condoled with the families of those who died in the unfortunate incident.

“Following the earlier incidents in Jos and Maiduguri over the Christmas period, I am shocked and saddened to learn of the bomb attack in Abuja on New Year’s Eve. I condemn this incident and the loss of innocent lives and send the UK’s condolences to the victims and their families. Every effort should be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lawrence Cannon, in a statement, said the attacks represent an unacceptable affront on the rights of Nigerians.

“Canada strongly condemns the terrorist bombings in Nigeria on December 24 and 31, 2010. The Christmas Eve bombings in Jos and Maiduguri, committed by the radical Islamic terrorist group, Jama’atu ahlus-Sunnah Lidda’awati wal Jihad, and the New Year’s Eve bombing in Abuja, committed by unknown perpetrators, were cowardly and despicable acts. These bombings represent a direct attack on the right of the people of Nigeria to live in safety and peace. Canada welcomes the government of Nigeria’s determination to bring the perpetrators of these repugnant acts to justice,” the statement read.
According to Cannon, “Canadians stand together with the Nigerian people in deploring these acts of terrorism. We will continue to assist the people and government of Nigeria as they strive to improve security and consolidate democracy and the rule of law.”

The Russian federation, through a special message by its president, Mr. Dmitry Medvedev decried the violence and expressed “full heartfelt condolences” to President Goodluck Jonathan over the incidences.

Governor Fayemi, who expressed sadness about the loss of lives of many innocent Nigerians  in the bombings that ushered in the 2011 at various spots around the country, urged the Federal Government to reinforce the level of security to prevent further bombing of the country by perceived terrorists.

Speaking at a special thanksgiving service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral in Ado Ekiti, Fayemi urged politicians to desist from heating up the polity by hiding under the serial bombings to perpetrate evil.

Describing the perpetrators as enemies of the nation and those who want to ground the country by all means, the Ekiti State chief
executive hailed plans by President Jonathan to seek the efforts of the international community in putting an end to the terror bombings.

Fayemi who spoke in reaction to the bombings that occurred in Abuja , Jos and Bayelsa in the recent time, said the Federal Government and the security operatives should show unwavering determination in bringing those behind the evil plot to book and stop its re-occurrence.

“All Nigerians must show concerns about this terrible action. One thing should not be ruled out, some desperate politicians that are bent on derailing the 2011 general elections may be doing this to heat up the polity and eventually rig the forthcoming elections.”

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the ACN said a cloud of impunity is hanging over Nigeria, as explosions after explosions occur, leading to needless loss of lives, limbs and property.

It said that in the midst of all the violence, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government seems utterly clueless on how to arrest the situation, forcing many to conclude that Nigeria is fast becoming a failed state.

“We cannot but ask: Is anyone still in charge of Nigeria or have we surrendered the country to anarchists? Is the government still able to meet its first obligation to the people, which is to ensure their welfare and security? For how long can we continue like this, allowing innocent men, women and children to be killed and maimed by end-gamers who are becoming more and more emboldened by the day as the government continues to bumble and waffle?” ACN queried.

The party recalled its earlier statement in which it said the only panacea to the recurring violence in the country is to smoke out those behind it, no matter their status, and ensure they face the maximum punishment prescribed by the law.

It said Nigerians are sick and tired of hearing the same refrain, “we shall fish out and bring to justice those behind this”, when perpetrators of previous killings have largely gone unpunished.
ACN said the prevailing situation in the country is due to the alleged illegitimacy of the ruling PDP, which has in turn robbed the party of the moral strength needed to tackle the mindless violence, including kidnapping, armed robbery, militancy and bomb blasts, that is ravaging the country.

“Never in the history of Nigeria have the people been subjected to the kind of violence that is reigning supreme under the PDP. It is indeed a double tragedy that a government that cannot even provide for the people is also unable to ensure their security. Having failed woefully, it is time for the PDP-government at all levels to be kicked out through the forthcoming general elections,” the party said.

It wondered how President Jonathan can realise his avowed determination to organise a free and fair election this year, in the midst of unprecedented brigandage and violence that can only be likened to what is happening in Somalia, a classical failed state.

“Only last week, the PDP ward congress in Oyo State was turned into a theatre of war, where people were killed and maimed, as guns, cutlasses, axes and other weapons were wielded freely. It is doubtful whether a party that cannot even organise a violence-free congress can preside over a free, fair and violence free national election,” ACN said.

It therefore urged President Jonathan to consult other parties outside the PDP as well as individuals and groups to find a way out of the seeming quagmire.

– Guardian

Posted by admin on Jan 2 2011. Filed under Latest Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry