FEAR gripped workers of the National Assembly yesterday when they heard of the explosions in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) headquarters in Abuja.

The workers and some lawmakers were seen rushing out of the Assembly Complex in fear.

Security at the Complex was beefed up immediately.

Tens of securitymen were immediately drafted to the Complex to forestall any attack.

Vehicles coming in were subjected to thorough search.

Meanwhile, the Senate President, David Mark, has pleaded with security operatives to rise up to the challenge and bring the matter to an end.

In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, Mark enjoined security operatives to look inwards and arrest the situation forthwith.



He expressed grave concern about the unabating spate of bomb blast which, he said, was a threat to the security and corporate existence of Nigeria, adding: “no nation has ever progressed or survived in the midst of terror.”

Mark warned that act of terrorism is not the way out of any grievances, insisting that no matter the grievances or anger in a man’s mind, resort to violence, terrorism or wanton destruction of lives and property cannot be a way out.

He said there are established channels of redressing or addressing any issue, pointing out that resort to unorthodox means would only aggravate the situation and create more harm.

The Senate President pointed out that the issue of security requires collaboration, stressing that the security challenges unarguably called for collaboration and synergy between and among all security agencies to bring the situation under control.

He, however, implored all Nigerians to be security conscious and co-operate with security agencies, saying: “Those who are committing these heinous crimes do not live in the moon, they live among us”.

“I do not think that resort to killings or terrorism would answer our questions. The real answer lies in our ability to come together as a people and address our common problems.

“No one can claim monopoly of any knowledge. We can all contribute our quota positively and make our society a better place.”

Mark disclosed that adequate budgetary provision would be made available for security in the National Assembly, adding that the Senate and, indeed, the National Assembly on its part would make adequate budgetary provision for the security operatives to carry out their legitimate assignments unhindered.

He, however, sympathised with the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, and urged him not to be deterred but reinforce his operations to arrest the situation so that peace would reign supreme in the country.