The United Nations agencies and organisations on
Sunday in Abuja observed the first
anniversary of the bomb
attack on the UN country office that killed 23
persons
26, 2011.


The UN officials held prayers for the 13 UN staff and 10 non-UN staff who lost their lives in the incident and expressed support to 120 others who sustained various degrees of injuries.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Daouda Toure, conveyed the continuous support and appreciation of the UN Secretary-General and all the Executive Heads of various agencies and organisations to all the affected persons and their families.

He reiterated his gratitude to the government and people of Nigeria for their active support, solidarity and commitment to the mission of the UN throughout the difficult period.

The UN Country Team also expressed gratitude to several federal institutions and state governments which made available temporary offices for various UN agencies during the period of the forced displacement of UN staff and officials.

Toure said, “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. “Their death mobilizes us more than ever before. 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. “The UN identifies with the people of all its member states, which justifies the expression ‘We, the people,’ as prescribed in the UN Charter. The families of our fallen colleagues should be proud of the altruism of their loved ones.” The UN Resident Coordinator saluted the resilience and courage of UN staff and officials, who had continued with their development and humanitarian work of helping the people of Nigeria regardless of the constraints.