UN 'received no warning' of blast in which 23 died
Source: Agencies |
August 29, 2011, Monday
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THE United Nations had no prior warnings or intelligence about threats against its Nigeria headquarters, the world body's security chief said yesterday, as officials mourned the 23 killed in a suicide car bombing there.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, along with Nigeria's Foreign Minister and the body's local representative, laid bouquets of roses yesterday near a UN flag flying at half-mast at the site of Friday's attack.
UN security chief Gregory Starr said the UN knew of no specific threat. He added: "We had some general threats worldwide and some very mixed, general threat information about the environment (in Nigeria)."
A suicide bomber rammed through two sets of gates to reach the UN building's glass reception hall. There, the bomber detonated explosives powerful enough to bring down parts of the concrete structure and blow out glass windows from other buildings in the quiet neighborhood.
A radical Muslim sect operating in northeast Nigeria known locally as Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack.
Starr said: "They are the group that has claimed responsibility, but the investigation has to take place to determine who is responsible."
Migiro, of Tanzania, later visited Abuja's National Hospital, where many of the injured were treated after the blast. The death toll rose yesterday to 23, according to Martin Dawes, a UN spokesman, who said another 81 people were injured.
Migiro said: "Those who have been affected are a wide range of people, those who have been working with the UN, others were in the building for business purposes."
Boko Haram vowed on Saturday to commit future attacks.
Hours earlier, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan promised to bring terrorism "under control." However, the government has been unable to stop Boko Haram from carrying out assassinations and bombings at will.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, along with Nigeria's Foreign Minister and the body's local representative, laid bouquets of roses yesterday near a UN flag flying at half-mast at the site of Friday's attack.
UN security chief Gregory Starr said the UN knew of no specific threat. He added: "We had some general threats worldwide and some very mixed, general threat information about the environment (in Nigeria)."
A suicide bomber rammed through two sets of gates to reach the UN building's glass reception hall. There, the bomber detonated explosives powerful enough to bring down parts of the concrete structure and blow out glass windows from other buildings in the quiet neighborhood.
A radical Muslim sect operating in northeast Nigeria known locally as Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack.
Starr said: "They are the group that has claimed responsibility, but the investigation has to take place to determine who is responsible."
Migiro, of Tanzania, later visited Abuja's National Hospital, where many of the injured were treated after the blast. The death toll rose yesterday to 23, according to Martin Dawes, a UN spokesman, who said another 81 people were injured.
Migiro said: "Those who have been affected are a wide range of people, those who have been working with the UN, others were in the building for business purposes."
Boko Haram vowed on Saturday to commit future attacks.
Hours earlier, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan promised to bring terrorism "under control." However, the government has been unable to stop Boko Haram from carrying out assassinations and bombings at will.
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