20091229
africanews

The shocking incident in which a 23 year-old Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (photo), wanted to blow up a transatlantic jet on Christmas Day has received mix reactions from Africans living in the diaspora. A blitz of posting on social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter portrays mixed feelings that the unfortunate event has created among Africans, mainly in the diaspora.
Abdulmutallab
Here is just a snippet of what Africans, including Nigerians, across the globe are saying:

Onche Bishop Odeh posted this on his social network hours after he received the shocking development, “This sad 'Mutallab' event also has its good side as well. At least it has also helped to strengthen the unity among Nigerians here in the U.S. All of them I have spoken to are saddened that such an act could be perpetrated by a Nigerian at a time most of them are feeling at home and making the best of America”.

Another social networker, Kate Odumu posted this in response, “Nigerians are dumb founded that one of their own could perpetuate a crime like this. It is very typical of Nigerians to want to stay alive and reap the benefit of whatever they do. I could have sworn seconds before it happened that it is IMPOSSIBLE for a Nigerian to do a thing like this”.

Walix Inalegwu Ajonye added, “My broda I was shocked at that report. At the point when we are trying to clean our image, and here comes the most extreme and ugly news concerning a Nigerian and terrorism, am afraid the scrutiny on Nigerians at various international airport and events will now triple. I wish they understand that is a just a few out of many”.

Zambian born Benedict Tembo reacted, “I am not from Nigeria but I was ashamed that a Nigerian could engage himself in such criminal acts. Nigeria is supposed to be the beacon of Africa but events surrounding the country and its nationals shock the continent, if not the world. Anyway, the attempt to blow up the US plane is a wake up to the airlines. I feel for you, Onche, do not be discouraged. We are with you”.

In summing up the enormous messages that flooded social networks worldwide after it emerged that the bomb suspect was a Nigerian and African, Onche Bishop Odeh concluded, “Mutallab or whatever he calls himself has caused a huge gloom over the Nigerian community here in U.S. This is just 'un-Nigerian'....in fact un-African”.

While the international community is still licking the shock of December 25, 2009 incident, the African community especially living, working or studying in foreign countries such as United States, Britain or even Holland, are dismayed that one of their own sons was involved in an act they least expected.