UN observes first anniversary of attack on world body’s compound in Nigeria
The United Nations family in Nigeria paused today to remember their colleagues who were killed a year ago during an attack on the world body’s compound in the capital, Abuja.
The United Nations family in Nigeria paused today to remember their colleagues who were killed a year ago during an attack on the world body’s compound in the capital, Abuja.
Thirteen UN staff members, as well as several non-UN staff, died as a result of the suicide bombing on 26 August 2011, while more than 100 others were injured. Hundreds of personnel from 26 different UN agencies and entities had been at the compound when the bomber struck.
“Although the devastating attack took the lives of our colleagues and partners and maimed many people, all of whom were in the building in the pursuit of service to humanity, our spirits have not been dampened,” said the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Daouda Toure.
“Their death mobilizes us more than ever before. Their sacrifice will not be in vain,” he added. “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.”
Mr. Toure also paid tribute to the resilience and courage of UN staff and officials who have continued undaunted with their development and humanitarian work of helping the people of Nigeria regardless of the constraints.
He reaffirmed that the UN system in Nigeria will continue on its mission “to assist in improving the lives of poor people, to conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy, and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms.”
The UN victims served with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), World Health Organization (WHO), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).