Jos massacre: I'm gutted, heartbroken - Former VP, Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the twin explosions in Jos, the Plateau State capital, which left on its trail scores of fatalities and casualties. He also condemned the killings in Maiduguri & Potiskum in a press statement released by his media office in Abuja today. Read below

"I am gutted. I am saddened. I am heartbroken by the murder of scores of innocent souls in Jos late Sunday night," Atiku is quoted to have said from Saudi Arabia where he is on Lesser Hajj (Umrah).

He bemoaned the bestiality of the terrorists to lay siege on innocent worshippers who were undertaking a spiritual demand of the holy season of Ramadan.

"That this particular attack came when people were in the sanctuary of the mosque for the Ramadan fasting prayer makes the attack more heart wrenching. There can be no justificationfor this wicked and satanic assault against these worshippers and our common humanity. Clearly, these terrorists are not adherents of any civilized religion, and clearly they are not respecters of God.

"Sadly the victims of the Jos explosions add to the long list of fatalities of terror in Nigeria. However, as painful as these killings are, we must remain resolute in standing with President Muhammadu Buhari as the government explores every possible avenues and initiatives that can degrade terrorism in our country.

"The losses and trauma that come with terror attacks is often piercing, but we must never lose focus of our common conviction in victory."

The Turaki Adamawa expressed confidence that the measures being adopted by government would eventually ensure the decimation and defeat of the insurgents. He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the Jos, Maiduguri and Potiskum attacks and prayed that God will grant the dead eternal rest and comfort to their loved ones.

Atiku Media Office
Abuja