The United Nations (UN) has honoured the memories of the 23 members of its staff who died in a bomb blast sometime in August 2011.
Terrorist organisation, Boko Haram, had claimed responsibility for the attack on the UN building in Abuja where the workers died.
In August 2011 a car laden with explosives tore its way into the UN building in Abuja and wreaked havoc, killing scores and leaving about 60 others hospitalized.
Former spokesperson for Boko Haram, Abu Kaka, who is believed to have been killed by the military, claimed credit for the attack on behalf of his group.
In its remembrance of staff members, UN Nigeria said it remains “committed to humanity and will continue to raise voices against threats of terrorism”.
Following the destruction of the UN building, Nigerian authorities vowed to reconstruct the building and in 2012 the government approved $15 million for the project.
In 2019, the UN building in Nigeria was completed and officially reopened.
Mark Lowcock, UN under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, during the reopening said: “The reopening of U.N. house today is an act of defiance against such terror,” Lowcock said.
“We stand together to say that we will not be cowed by violence. We will continue to support the Nigerian people, fulfill their dreams of a future of prosperity and security.”
Edward Kallon, the U.N. representative to Nigeria, recalled the tragic experience of August 26, 2011 as an “indeed dark day for the United nations.
