I was targeted for Assassination in Kaduna blast – Buhari

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I was targeted for Assassination in Kaduna blast – Buhari

·         President Jonathan condemns attacks

·         Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi also targeted



Former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) has said the second explosion that rocked Kaduna on Wednesday was an assassination attempt targeted at him.

General Buhari in a statement he personally signed and forwarded to journalists in Kaduna said, “I am personally involved in a clearly targeted bomb attack today at about 2:30pm on my way to Daura.
“The unfortunate event, clearly an assassination attempt came from a fast moving vehicle that made many attempts to overtake my security car, but was blocked by escort vehicle.
“We reached the market area of Kawo where he took advantage of our slowing down and attempted to ram my car and instantly detonated the bomb which destroyed all the three cars in our convoy.
“Unfortunately, when I came out of my vehicle, I saw many dead bodies littered around. They were innocent people going about their daily business who became victims of mass murder.
“Thank God for His mercy, I came out unhurt, but three of my security staff sustained minor injuries. They have since been treated in hospital and discharged,” the statement read.

Earlier today, two bombs went off at different locations in Kaduna with at least 20 persons confirmed dead. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks. The first  bomb, suspected to be a car bomb, exploded near an Islamic Ramadan event venue while the second explosion along Kawu road affected the convoy of the ex-dictator, All Progressive Congress party Chieftain and former presidential candidate of CPC in 2011 elections.

 

Meanwhile President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the Kaduna attacks. The President’s statement was released by his spokesman, Dr Rueben Abati and reproduced below

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
 

  President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan condemns the bombings in Kaduna today which appeared to have targeted former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari and prominent Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi.
President Jonathan denounces the dastardly targeting of the prominent political and religious leaders by terrorists and enemies of the nation in an odious attempt to inflame passions and exacerbate disquiet, fear, insecurity and sectional divisions in the country.   

While thanking God Almighty for sparing the lives of General Buhari and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the President extends sincere condolences to the families of those who were sadly killed by the bomb blasts.

President Jonathan also commiserates with all those who were injured in the twin bombings in this Holy Month of Ramadan which defy the tenets of Islam, and provide further proof that the terrorists are nothing but blood-thirsty extremists bent on undermining the unity and progress of the nation.

The President assures residents of Kaduna and all other Nigerians that the Federal Government will continue and further intensify its ongoing efforts to effectively curb the menace of terrorism in the country.

He has specifically directed the Police and other national security agencies to take all necessary actions to apprehend the perpetrators of today’s attacks on Kaduna and urges all residents of the city to give them the fullest possible cooperation and support as they work to bring the terrorists to justice.

 Reuben Abati

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

July 23, 2014


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