Nigeria remembers victims of UN headquarters attack

Abuja: Nigeria on Sunday remembered the victims of last year`s suicide bombing of the United Nations headquarters in the capital, with a memorial service for the over 25 persons who died during the attack.

Speaking at the occasion attended by families of victims, diplomats and UN officials, the Resident Coordinator of the UN, Daouda Toure, said the attack which affected staff and partners of the organisation on August 26 last year, only helped to mobilise their living colleagues for more effective service. "Their sacrifice will not be in vain. We will strive to pursue our work for the people of Nigeria for the continuance of peace and stability of this great nation, and the socio-economic development of all," he said. Toure told the audience that the UN identifies with the people of all its Member States, which justifies the expression `we, the people,` as prescribed in the UN Charter. He urged the families of the fallen colleagues to be proud of the altruism of their loved ones. He reaffirmed that the United Nations System in Nigeria will continue on its mission to assist in improving the lives of poor, to conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy, and to encourage respect for each other`s rights and freedoms. The UN also issued a statement expressing their gratitude to those who stood by it during the bombing claimed by Islamic militant group, Boko Haram, using a lone bomber who rammed into the building with an explosive-laden Honda SUV. Security agencies scrambled to evacuate more than 300 persons when the bomber struck at the building located at Area 1 in the capital city. Boko Haram, which had attacked the country`s police headquarters a few weeks earlier killing an officer claimed the attacks and threated to carry out more. Three of the sect`s members were named as terrorists by the United States in a recent classification which enraged their leader, Ibrahim Shekau, who was among those named. The sect has been waging a bloody conflict to install an Islamic government and Sharia rule in the country. The activities of the Boko Haram has raised fears of religious conflict in the country. The 150-million Nigeria has both Muslim and Christian population, with Muslims predominant in the north while Christians mostly live in the South. PTI