The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim, yesterday assured the diplomatic community and Nigerians of their safety, revealing that some arrests have been made with regards to last Friday’s bombing of the United Nations (UN) House in Abuja. He said that President Goodluck Jonathan and his media assistants, will soon address the nation about the outcome of the arrests.

Ringim gave the assurance at a meeting with the diplomatic corps held at the instance of the Minster of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru, at the Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja, even as Ashiru said that the IGP’s presence was to assure the diplomatic community of their safety.
Ringim said: “First, I want to assure you on behalf of the Nigerian government and the security agencies that operate in this country, that the government and indeed, each and everyone of us and the security and intelligence cycle in Nigeria, are very concerned about what happened at the United Nations House last week.

“It is on that account that his Excellency summoned a meeting of each and everyone of us, where we discussed far-reaching points on how to further ensure not only the security of your mission, your buildings, your property, but your personal security.
“It is in that regard therefore, that I have been invited this afternoon to appear before you and to try to explain some of the things that have happened and also, government’s decision as far as the security of yourselves and your missions are concerned.”

Ringim further said: “At the meeting that we just had this afternoon, we have also discussed how we can further provide much, more security than had been earlier provided in order to make your stay here as meaningful as they are supposed to be.”
The IGP also stated: “We have said and we accept the threat not only to this country but to the entire region as well as the South region and the West African region.”

“I am here therefore, on behalf of the Nigerian government, and the Nigerian security agencies, to assure you that we will go round from mission to mission and discuss what specific assistance as well as the presence of the security agencies that you would require in order to feel more secured.

“In that regard, I want to say that as I went back to my office, I have seen mails that have been sent from some of you, requesting for additional security coverage.
On the arrests made so far, Ringim said: “I want to inform you that our security agencies have already made some arrests and his Excellency will soon make a pronouncement in that regard. I want to leave it to Mr. President and his press people to address you and the nation where this is concerned.”

Earlier, Ashiru said that the meeting was called to assure the diplomatic community of their safety, mission and facility in Nigeria, adding that the presence of the IGP, was to reassure the confidence of the diplomatic corps.
“If I were to be the only one making the statement, it would not have been reassuring as to have the IGP of the police here with us,” Ashiru said.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the attack, maintaining that mindless violence is counter-productive to peace and progress.
He noted that indiscriminate violence against the innocent could not solve any problem in any society. According to him, there is no alternative to dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Ochei, described the incident as unprogressive and a dastardly act aimed at seriously denting Nigeria’s image before the international community.

The Speaker, in a statement issued in Asaba yesterday, regretted that while Nigeria was busy clawing its way back to prominence and recognition among the Comity of Nations, some retrogressive forces were bent on retarding the wheel of progress.
Also reacting, former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, has again called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts at national reconciliation.
Kalu who commisserated with the UN over last Friday’s attack, regretted the new image that had been foisted on the country as a result of insecurity.

He said,”These indeed are difficult times in our history. We must not allow this country to break up. Nigerians have a lot to gain by staying together. We can talk things over.I strongly believe that a National Reconciliation Commission should be established by government. We need peace to achieve national development.”

The ex-governor highlighted the cost of insecurity at a time Nigerians should be reaping the benefits of constitutional government.
“No strong nation lives alone. Government wants to attract foreign investors,especially through the new ministry of Trade and Investment. Nigeria is a Land of Milk and Honey.It will be difficult for us to do business with foreign partners if we continue with the politics of bomb and horror,” he added.

Kalu expressed the hope in the ability of Nigerians to air and settle their grievances if offered the opportunity through dialogue.
“We are good people loved so much by God. We can settle our differences. Let the National Reconciliation Commission be empowered to bring various interests together.We should not shy away from settling differences.At the same time, bombs are meant to scatter not build,” Kalu said.

French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Alain Juppé, has condemned the attack, reaffirming France’s solidarity with the UN.
Juppé said: “I was extremely shocked to learn of the terrorist attack that hit the UN offices in Abuja, Nigeria, and which has left many people dead and injured.

“France condemns this heinous and cowardly act.”
While extending condolences to the bereaved, as well as the Secretary-General and the UN personnel, Juppé assured the injured of his wholehearted sympathy.
“In these tragic circumstances, France reaffirms its solidarity with the UN agencies, its personnel, and with respect to their efforts on behalf of the Nigerian people. It also assures the Nigerian government and people of its solidarity in this ordeal and in its fight against terrorism.”


http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2011/aug/30/national-30-08-2011-001.html