Prominent Nigerians including the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; and the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, have joined others in condemning the explosions in Kano on Friday that has left about 150 persons dead and commiserating with the families of the victims.
This has been more so in the case of the journalist with Channels Television, Eneche Akogwu.
Jonathan, in his message, said: “It is with a heart full of sadness and pain that I convey my condolences on behalf of the federal government of Nigeria to the families, friends, associates and relatives of all those who lost their lives in the acts of violence in Kano on Friday.
“These are honest and patriotic Nigerians who were brutally and recklessly cut down by agents of terror.
“As a responsible government, we will not fold our hands and watch enemies of democracy, for that is what these mindless killers are, perpetrate unprecedented evil in our land.”
Tambuwal urged Nigerians to respect the sanctity of human life while voicing their grievances, saying last Friday’s multiple blasts that rocked the ancient city of Kano calls for greater concern and sober reflection.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Imam Imam, Tambuwal equally decried the needless shedding of blood when the country is yet to recover from a general strike.
Such an act, the Hon Speaker noted, will send the wrong signals to the international community that the country is not safe for investors.
According to him, the surest way to resolve any difference is through dialogue and therefore challenged those with grievances in all parts of the country to follow the path of dialogue instead of violence.
While commiserating with the families of those killed or injured during the blasts, Tambuwal called on all security agencies to double their efforts in the discharge of their responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of the citizens.
He reiterated his earlier commitment that the House of Representatives will work with other arms of government to ensure a return to normalcy in all parts of the country.
In his own message, Oshiomhole commiserated with the chairman, management and staff of Channels Television over the killing of Akogwu, their Kano State Correspondent, in the Kano explosions.
In the condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, Oshiomhole said: “Akogwu’s death is a sad loss not only to his family, the Channels Television and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, but to the entire nation going by the report that he was a dedicated and hardworking reporter who won an award from his organization, just last year.
“His death is even more painful as he was reportedly cut down in cold blood in the line of duty.
“While his brutal killing gives renewed cause for grave concern, we must reflect that the Nigerian nation, not one particular religion or ethnic group, is under attack and must respond as Nigerians, rally round President Goodluck Jonathan and rise as a people to face the challenge to defend our collective security and the integrity of the polity.
“I believe strongly that Nigeria is all that we have and we have a duty to make it work.
“It is my fervent prayer that the good Lord will grant his soul and the souls of others who died in the violent attacks eternal rest and give his colleagues in Channels
Television the fortitude to bear the loss. I also pray God to comfort his family and give them courage and hope.”