Rights group condemns attempted terror attack

By Taye Obateru

Jos — A Plateau-based human rights group, League for Human Rights, has joined in condemning the attempt by a Nigerian, Farouk AbdulMutallab to blow up an American-bound aircraft, describing it as shocking, disappointing and a national embarrassment.

The body in a statement, yesterday, signed by its Director, Shamaki Gad Peter said the attempt to kill about 277 persons had dragged  Nigeria’s name into the list of nations involved in terrorist activities.

“We are never known to be extreme in our belief and attitude towards life. The image of Nigeria was first battered by a few Nigerians that specialised in drug trafficking, followed by advanced fee fraud (419),” it noted.

It said the development has underscored the need to provide Nigerians with quality education within the country to discourage parents from sending their youngsters abroad for studies where they acquire strange beliefs.

According to the league, “government at all levels must ensure that Nigerians have access to quality education, thereby reducing the pressure on parents sending their children abroad to get education and in the process losing control over what the children do and who they make friends with.

“The bottom line of sending teenagers abroad is the simple fact that such children get to learn new and dangerous ways of life that are alien to our culture, values, norms and way of life.”

It regretted that the incident would cause Nigerians traveling abroad to be harassed and excessively scrutinised.