By Luka Binniyat

ABUJA—Following the two bomb blasts that murdered about 12 people in Abuja last Friday, a United Kingdom-trained expert on terrorism matters, Dr. Sunny Moneke, yesterday charged the Federal Government to immediately set up an anti-terrorism agency in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Moneke urged the National Assembly to fast track the passage of the anti-terrorism bill which had been pending before it.

He said: “I also want government to take steps towards creating awareness about the reality of terrorism and measures must also be taken to identify such areas in the country that are prone to terrorist attacks.”

Moneke commended the restructuring in Nigerian Military and Security agencies which President Goodluck Jonathan effected recently, pointing out that government needed to take more measures.

He said: “While we are trying to unearth the masterminds of the Abuja bomb blasts which claimed ten lives and injured 36 others last Friday, we should also do what we are supposed to do before that.

“That is by getting an agency that is proactive. That is where the passage of the Anti-terrorism Bill that has been pending before the National Assembly comes in.

UN recommendation

“I am not saying that the security forces have not tried but the United Nations recommend a third force that is independent of the normal security forces. We are yet to get this in Nigeria.

“It can also be done in such a manner that an adhoc committee is first established to be handling terrorism matter in the interim before the setting up of the statutory body.

“Government should start investing in intelligence gathering to aid security.

Although intelligence gathering is very expensive, there is no alternative to it if we must combat this dreaded problem of terrorism.”