The Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian law (IHRHL) condemns the Independence day bomb blast at Abuja the Nation’s capital. The incidence illustrates absolute failure on the government and security apparatus, despite the resent appointment of new service chiefs insecurity continues on the increase daily.
One of the primary duties of government is to safeguard the lives and properties of its citizens and in this regard, the federal government through the agency of the various security apparatus has failed considerably. To this end, we call on the Federal government to initiate efforts aimed at truncating the current spate of kidnapping, assassination, armed robbery and other crimes in the region and the Nation. The money allocated for security vote should be judiciously and effectively utilized for the protection of lives and properties.
The IHRHL expresses their sympathy and condolence to the families affected by this tragic attack, while noting that, nobody or group has the right to deny others their right to life in the name of struggle or aggression at the society, sanity of human life must be precedence at all time.
We charge the Federal government to ensure that the National security services are more proactive rather than been just reacting to sensitive security issues, and effectively deploy its security personnel towards the protection of lives and properties.
Signed: Okocha Chigozirim Vivian Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL)
Gentlemen of the Press: As you are already aware, two cars exploded before noon of 1st October, 2010, while the President, Commander-in-Chief was reviewing a colourful ceremony marking Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
Both explosions occurred near a bridge adjacent to the MillenniumPark, within a kilometre, East end of the Eagle Square. The ugly incident resulted in the death of 10 (ten) persons, while 36 (thirty-six) others, including 11 policemen were seriously injured. The blasts completely destroyed 6 (six) cars, damaged 18 (eighteen) others, and shattered the glasses of a hotel nearby.
The Nigeria Police deeply regrets the loss of innocent lives and the harm and damage done to the well being and property of fellow citizens. It is clear that the intention of the perpetrators of the evil act was to truncate Nigeria’s celebration of half a century of her political freedom. Their motive was to cut short the joy of men and women of goodwill and to pour shame and contempt on our President and indeed the entire nation, in the very presence of dignitaries and eminent persons from around the world. Certainly, these operators of an evil enterprise had targeted to commit mass murder of innocent children, young and old men and women, and members of the international community who had gathered to partake in our nation’s glorious moment. To the glory of God, their act of wickedness was frustrated by the tight security put in place at the Eagle Square.
Police investigation has commenced in earnest. Forensic experts are already checking about a hundred vehicles trapped in the vicinity of the blasts to ascertain the make, composition and origin of the explosives. As soon as the forensic examination is over, the vehicles will be released to their owners and the roads re-opened to normal traffic. The Nigeria Police regrets the inconveniences caused owners of those trapped vehicles and the users of those roads.
Also, an arrest has been made by the Police in connection with the incident. Police detectives are currently hunting for another two Nigerian citizens suspected to be the masterminds of the evil plot. Their names are
1. Chima Orlu, (Male)
2. Ben Jessy (Male)
I have attached their photographs for easier identification.
By this release, they are declared wanted by the Nigeria Police, and are hereby requested to come forward and clear their names. Any person who sees them or knows their whereabouts is requested to kindly report to the nearest Police Station anywhere in the Federation of Nigeria, or abroad, or call or send SMS to the
following telephone numbers:
1. 08033225-349
2. 08062700-000
3. 08038305-707
Finally, I wish to call on all citizens that the thought and act of bombing any part of this country amounts to a declaration of war against Nigeria. It is our collective duty to stop criminals from destroying our fatherland. All citizens are reminded that they are obliged by the constitution to assist law enforcement agencies in the maintenance of law and order. And it is indeed a punishable offence to conceal or hide the identity or whereabouts of a wanted person.
ACP Emmanuel C. S. Ojukwu
Force Public Relations Officer
