FG reaffirms commitment to counter terrorism, victim support

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment towards strengthening it efforts to counter terrorism, prevent tragedy and promote peace and security in the country.

Ribadu, represented by Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, disclosed this during the commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism at the UN House in Abuja. The event also centered on the official inauguration of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.

He said the Federal Government, through various initiatives, remains fully committed to providing the necessary support to the victims of terrorism, and helping them rebuild their lives. “We will also continue to work tirelessly in collaboration with our national and international partners to provide resources, emotional care, and legal protection to ensure that their dignity is restored and their recovery is supported.

“We will strengthen our efforts to counter-terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as we remain determined to prevent further tragedy and protect the peace and security of our nation. We pledge to continue working together in bringing relief to them, and to take proactive measures to prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said.

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He condemned the bombing of the UN House in 2011, describing it as a senseless act of violence that claimed the lives of 23 individuals and injured over 60 others.

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres in a message delivered by Mr. Mohamed Fall, the UN Resident Coordinator, said that acts of terrorism had created waves of unimaginable grief.

“We pay tribute to all victims and survivors, including those who have chosen to share their stories about perseverance and forgiveness. It is a reminder that we must always seek the light of hope. Together, we can raise voices of all victims and survivors, help educate present and future generations, and build more peaceful and resilient societies for all,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fall himself, commended the fight by the government against terrorism. He promised to support Nigeria to deal with the menace by dealing with some of the underlying causes through humanitarian work and sustainable development.

“I commend government for recently hosting the Africa meeting on counter-terrorism. I am hopeful that the outcomes of those discussions will go a long way to strengthen the fight against insurgency,” Fall said.

Dr Tony Ojukwu, Executive-Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, underscored the need for a law to protect victims of terrorism. Ojukwu said that the law was yet to be adopted by the Federal Executive Council. He, however, said that the dream of the commission to realise this objective could, hopefully, be achieved with support from development partners and other relevant stakeholders.

“To attend to the hurt, grief, vulnerabilities and protection needs of victims of terrorism, restore them within limits of our resources using sustainable non-formal judicial processes and mechanisms,” he said.

The event centered on the theme: “Voices for Peace: Victims of terrorism as peace advocates and educators”. It featured remarks by Tom Parker, Project Coordinator, Counter-Terrorism Programming, UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Others included Ms. Jo Dover, Specialist, Global Victims of Terrorism Support Programme, UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, New York, recitation of poem by Ms Pelemo Nyajo, and laying of wreath.

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