Buhari Condemns Terror Attack in London, Sympathises with Victims

Senate demands increased security at National Assembly

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday condemned Wednesday’s terrorist attack near the United Kingdom Parliament building at Westminster, London.

Buhari, according to a statement by his chief spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, sympathised with the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, and assured her that the government and people of Nigeria “stand with Britons at this sad and trying moment in their country.”

Describing terror attack anywhere in the world as condemnable, Buhari said the whole world must join hands to defeat perpetrators of terrorism.

He prayed God to comfort families of the victims and heal the injured.

Meanwhile, following the terrorist attack outside the British Parliament in Westminster, the Senate yesterday urged the security department of the National Assembly to increase security within and outside the parameters of the complex to forestall terrorist, or other attacks.

The Senate also expressed condolences to the government and people of Britain, and the families of those who died or were wounded in the attacks, for which the so-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility.

The Senate further called on the United Nations to establish protocols for intelligence information sharing among its member states to fight global terrorism, following the adoption of the resolutions of a motion by the Majority Leader, Senator Ahmed Ladan (Yobe North).

Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East) said it is necessary that perceived security lapses in the National Assembly are quickly taken care of.

“For some of us who work late, leaving here at 6 or 7 p.m. you see all manner of persons around,” he said.

Senator Mohammed Hassan (Yobe South) noted that drills to simulate terrorist attacks or fire outbreaks, have never been conducted in the National Assembly.

Such drills, he said, are important, and should be imbibed as part of drastic measures to prevent or avert attacks.

Senator George Thompson Sekibo (Rivers East) noted that vulnerability of the mandates of the legislators makes the National Assembly prone to attacks.

“God forbid! Assuming the place is bombed one day, when we resume, say after two weeks, some would be afraid to speak their minds. Years ago, many senators could not call out Boko Haram by name. On a daily basis, we condemn persons or challenge them. We need to set up adequate measures to protect ourselves,” he stated.

Senate President Bukola Saraki presided over a minute of silence in honour of those who died in the UK attack.

Earlier on his twitter handle, Saraki tweeted his condolence message.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of terrorist attack in UK, as we stand in solidarity with Britons and members of @ UKParliament.”