United Nations Hit by Terrorist Bomb in Nigeria Killing 18
The United Nations offices in Nigeria was bombed yesterday, after a car containing explosives drove into it and killed 18 people.
Goodluck Jonathan, president of Nigeria, called the event an act of terrorism in a statement on Friday. Jonathan said he would work to “vigorously combat” the terrorism in the country. According to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the buildings that were attacked held 26 different U.N. humanitarian and development agencies.
"This was an assault on those who devote their lives to helping others," Ban said, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Although the U.N. deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, said he had no confirmation about who was behind the attack, Islamic extremist group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility.
Boko Haram, which means “Western education is sacrilege,” has shaped itself after the Afghan Taliban, according to The Los Angeles Times. The group allegedly attacked national targets previously, including Abuja police headquarters in June.
Veronica Mills, 24, a resident of the Nigerian capital Abuja FCT from Florida, said this is not the first time she has heard of the attacks.
“It has been going on for a while, because those extremists are against westernization,” said the Nigerian foreigner from Florida.
Mills said the government is not the only target in Nigeria. The expats, or foreigners who are not from the country, must also worry about their safety.
“A lot of extremists target expats and where we hang out or work,” Mills told The Christian Post.
Despite the danger, she said that she is not fearful for her life, instead she makes appropriate decisions.
“I figure I can’t die before my time plus I didn’t move to Nigeria to be scared,” Mills said. “I know the risks, I want to live and enjoy myself here so I do. I just make wise choices.”
