President condemns attack on Jos church

By YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU 

 

Bomber, four others killed, Governor escapes death

President Goodluck Jonathan has  condemned the suicide bombing on Sunday at the Headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau state, and the mindless acts of reprisal that followed the incident.

A female usher of the Church  Miss Grace Daniel, the bomber  and three others were killed  in the incident

In a press statement by Presidential Spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, the President expressed his sympathies and condolences to the victims of the incident. 

"Those who seek to divide us by fear and terror will not succeed.  The indiscriminate bombing of Christians and Muslims is a threat to all peace-loving Nigerians but the government  will continue to stand firm to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians while ensuring that the relevant institutions move against those who disregard the sanctity of life in the pursuit of sectarian ambitions.

 " Government is gradually and firmly bringing justice to those behind these attacks and exposing their identities and dismantling their terror infrastructure.  Those behind similar acts of terror in recent times have been arrested and are being investigated with a view to prosecuting them accordingly, as a deterrent to others" The president stated

He  appealed to all residents of Plateau state to remain calm and be law abiding.

A very huge explosion was heard as early as 7:30am in Jos n Sunday morning. The sound of the explosion left no one in doubt that it must be bomb explosion, but no one can immediately guess the location.

The location of the Church which is 500 meter from the state Police headquarters and the STF headquarters attracted the  security agencies as the anti-bomb units of both commands took off almost immediately tolocate the scene.

The state Governor Jonah David Jang is one of the church worshiper but missed the early morning session (Hausa service) and was preparing for the second session that should commence from 10 am (English service).

SOURCE: The Nation, 26 February 2012. http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/