Mr. President on yesterday's bomb blasts

President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the Christmas day attacks in Madalla, Jos and Damaturu.

The President said this in a press statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, following the deadly Christmas Day bombings.
The violent attacks, which occurred at worship places and an office of the State Security Service in the north, have claimed over 30 lives.


Jonathan condemned the attacks, saying the bombing of innocent citizens on a day millions of people all over the World are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is a dastardly act that must attract the rebuke of all peace-loving Nigerians.

“These acts of violence against innocent citizens are an unwarranted affront on our collective safety and freedom,” the President said, adding that “Nigerians must stand as one to condemn them.”

In the statement, President Jonathan expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Churches and families who lost their loved ones to the attacks. “I ask God, in His infinite mercies, to grant these innocent souls eternal rest, and give their families the fortitude to bear this painful loss,” he said.

Regretting that the unfortunate incidents had spoiled the celebratory mood across the land, the President assured Nigerians that his government remained resolute in resolving the security challenges that confront the nation.

“I want to reassure all Nigerians that Government will not relent in its determination to bring to justice all the perpetrators of today’s acts of violence and all others before now,” the President said.

Meanwhile, security chiefs, arising from a meeting today, want the federal government to declare the new year a security year, as part of deliberate efforts to tackle the rising wave of insecurity in Nigeria, essentially the Boko Haram terror group and many other ethnic militia formation across the country.
Also, as part of fresh measures to address the growing security concerns, the security hierarchy has adopted a recommendation for a security summit early next year, where top Nigerian security actors are expected to inject fresh ideas into ongoing efforts by government to stem the tide.
The security summit which is being planned by the Federal Government is to hold in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and will be funded through the 2012 financial votes for national security.