20110101
This Day

New York — President Barack Obama yesterday "strongly" condemned the new year eve's bomb blast near an Army Barracks in the nation's capital city.

He also offered US' assistance to help Nigeria bring perpetrators of the dastardly act to justice.

A deadly explosion on Friday night at the Mammy Market located directly opposite the Mogadishu Cantonment formerly known as Sani Abacha Barracks in Abuja, had killed not less than 10 people and injured several others.

A week earlier, multiple bomb explosions in Jos, Plateau State capital, had claimed the lives of not less than 80 people and left several others critically injured.

In a statement issued by the White House, President Obama, while also extending his condolences to the families of those killed and to the wounded, said US stands with the Nigerian people "at this difficult time."

Describing it as "outrageous terrorist bombing attacks", Obama said: "Killing innocent civilians who were simply gathering - like so many people around the world - to celebrate the beginning of a New Year further demonstrates the bankrupt vision of those who carry out these attacks".

Noting that the attack near the army barracks in Abuja reportedly killed more than 20 people and wounded many more, the US President said, "we are similarly prepared to offer assistance to the Government of Nigeria as it works to bring the perpetrators to justice."

In the same White House statement, Obama also condemned the attack on a church in Alexandria, Egypt, which he said caused 21 reported deaths and dozens of injured from both the Christian and Muslim communities.

The US President said, "The perpetrators of this attack were clearly targeting Christian worshippers, and have no respect for human life and dignity."

Noting that US is gathering information regarding this terrible event, and is prepared to offer any necessary assistance to the government in responding to it, Obama said those behind the attack must be brought to justice for this barbaric and heinous act.

However, the Nigerian Police yesterday placed the nation on "red alert" in a determined bid to track down bombers it accused of disturbing the peace of the nation.

Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, who spoke in Abuja, said the police were prepared to ensure adequate security of lives and property.

He said while the red alert regime lasted, Nigerians were expected to assist the police and other security agencies " with useful information on any suspicious persons."

Ringim also listed what he called suspicious parcels, bags, packages or other receptacles, among others, as some of the things that members of the public should promptly report to the Police".

He said the orgy of violence unleashed in some parts of the country notably: Borno, Bayelsa, Plateau and Abuja through the use of improvised explosive devices was the handiwork of a few misguided citizens.

According to him, the intention was to create the impression that government and indeed the security agencies cannot guarantee the safety of Nigerians.

He also explained that the security alert was put in place to contain envisaged crimes ahead of the 2011 general elections.

"While it is apparent that the recent attacks have been directed at innocent citizenry and harmless Nigerians as victims, the public is hereby reassured of their safety as the NPF and indeed all other security agencies are resolved to put an end to these irresponsible acts.

"All law abiding citizens have nothing to fear and should go about their normal businesses without let or hindrance. No effort will be spared in bringing the perpetrators of these dastardly acts to justice. This is the time for us to show resolve and solidarity," he said.

He stated that appropriate counter measures were duly activated and all those involved in these heinous acts would be rounded up and made to face the full wrath of the law soon.

A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Olusola Amore, said "so far information at my disposal revealed that four persons are confirmed dead while 21 injured are currently receiving adequate medical attention. The IGP once again wishes to reassure the public of their safety and to be rest assured that any design to undermine the stability and security of this country will be strongly resisted."