..Nigerians react
By Emma Nnadozie, Crime Editor and Ifeanyi Okolie

SOON after the bomb blast that rocked the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Independence Day, claiming 12 lives with scores wounded, many expressed reservations over the ability of our security agencies, unearthing masterminds of the tragedy. In fact, their fears were not unfounded going by the number of unresolved cases of that nature which have dotted the history of our checkered nation like a sore thumb. The list of such cases are unending.

From co-founder of Newswatch Magazine and front- line journalist, Dele Giwa, who was killed through a parcel bomb to Pa Rewane and a host of other journalists including Baguada kaltho, who suffered the same fate in a Kaduna hotel. These tragic cases are yet to be resolved when that of our 50th Independence anniversary shook the whole world.

Surprisingly, just few hours days after the blast, one of the suspected masterminds of the blast and leader of the Movement For the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah, was arrested in far-away South Africa.

Security agents in Nigerian followed it up by subsequently arresting one suspect and declaring two persons, Chima Orlu and Ben Jessy, wanted. While the arrests and investigations were going on, other far-reaching security measures aimed at forestalling a repeat occurrence, were glaringly in progress. Then the big bang, younger brother to Henry Okah who was already facing trial in South Africa over the issue, Charles and four others, were rounded up in Lagos. They were subsequently arraigned in Abuja by the State Security Service (SSS) amidst tight security while efforts have been intensified to round up other suspects.

In spite of the secrecy that surrounded the arraignment of the suspects, what later turned out to be the highlight of the whole saga was the vivid details of how the plot was planned and executed. Though what we have been told so far may not be that in-depth, it is heart warming that our security agents worked extra miles by unearthing what we have heard so far. Crime Alert went to town to sample opinion of Nigerians on the outcome of their investigations so far.

Excerpts;
Val Okoye , Lagos State Commandant of the International Chaplain Rescue Mission We are not comfortable with what we have gotten so far. We had expected the security agencies to take full charge of the situation and stop all threats from these terrorists. What you saw that day was the handiwork of some evildoers, who are bent on destabilizing the peace of this country. I don’t know their motives, though the state security service and other security agencies stood up to the challenges. It is unfortunate that we are still getting more threats which is unacceptable. The SSS and his sister agencies should wake up and tackle the situation.

They should not allow any group or individual to put this country on threat. And other people they have arrested so far, they should not be denied their fundamental human rights. They should be allowed to their counsels and their trial should not be made secret. This is a national issue and SSS should allow the police prosecute the suspects.

Aruwayo Lewis: customer care attendant
The entire nation was expecting the security agencies to make a shine out of the situation, like what we could have gotten from the United State of American if they were the one involved. But what we saw here was short of it. I am not blaming them because the government has been unable to make our society safe and secure. On that day, I was glued to my TV screen waiting to see how they would perform their magic; though some people have been arrested, but there are still threats of more attacks. These are what you don’t get in developed countries.

They were forewarned in a much descriptive manner that any discreet and serious minded person with such an information, would prevent the attack. The State Security Service and other agencies, should work round the clock in forestalling any further attacks from these terrorist groups. We have had enough of them and the government has to show to us that they are truly in -charge of our security. And as for those arrested, I care little of their fundamental human right, this is a case of terrorism and in cases like this, suspect are denied of their rights.

Christian Ogbuchi -Clearing Agent
President Jonathan should explore more security strategies in tackling uprise of terrorism in the country. More significant steps should be put in place to prevent people from engaging in such acts. People does not just engage in such acts if nothing is motivating them. Our President, as the Commander- in- Chief of the Armed Forces, has to brace up to the challenges of defending our territory. Since it has gotten to this height, more stiffer measures has to be explored.

The Department of Home Land Security was established in USA after the September 11, 2001 attack and ever since, America has been at the fore- front of the war against terrorism. Our government should borrow a leaf from them and utilize all our resources in making our country a safe place. This is a wake- up call for the country and also a time for President Jonathan to set up a formidable anti- terrorism unit that would wade off both external and internal threats.

Lyna Oriaku – President, Rotary Club, Victoria Island East
It seems like the SSS and other security agencies are not cooperating. That is why they have been unable to put a stop to this. But, I am deeply concerned about the manner at which people who are not directly involved in this crime have been arrested and incarcerated. Like the man who was arrested in place of his brother, I am deeply concerned about him.

I learnt he was about getting married. Government should not violate his fundamental rights. He should be allowed to go home. I see no reason why he should be held responsible for a crime allegedly committed by his brother. This is a democratic setting. It is more like getting me arrested for a crime committed by my sister. I see no sense in it. Government should stop politicizing this issue. They should concentrate more on making our society a safe place.

Emeka Okonkwo – Car dealer
The investigation so far may not be enough and we, as members of the public, are not comfortable with the way the SSS has been handling the report so that we would not think that something else is involved. Be that as it may, this very issue should not be sept under the carpet.

It should not be like other cases where panels of enquiries were set up and at the end, nothing comes out of it. Giving the number of lives lost and properties destroyed, we need to know what is happening. The SSS should make their findings known to the public because every day on the pages of newspapers, we get more threats that more bombs would go off. The government has to assure the public of their safety in spite of all these threats. I also think the SSS has the right to prosecute these suspects especially as is a sensitive case.