UN:  President Jonathan condemns attack.

UN:  President Jonathan condemns attack.

The Nigerian Government has condemned what it called barbaric, senseless and cowardly attack on the United Nation’s Building in Abuja.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in a statement said the attack is a most despicable assault on the United Nations’ objectives of global peace and security, and the sanctity of human life to which Nigeria wholly subscribes.

The Statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Ruben Abati extends sincere condolences to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon and all members of the United Nations family who have lost loved ones in the heinous attack.

President Jonathan also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s total commitment to vigorously combat the incursion of all forms of terrorism into Nigeria, and wishes to reassure all Nigerians and the international community that his Administration "will spare no effort to bring the perpetrators to justice".

The President has also directed all relevant government agencies to assist in the search and rescue effort at the UN Building, and ordered heightened security across the Federal Capital Territory.

More Reaction on the Attack:

The Vice President Namadi Sambo has also commiserates with the victims, expressing his sympathy and condolences to the bereaved and the injured.

A statement by Umar Sani, Vice President’s Media Aide says Sambo who is in Saudi Arabia for a lesser Hajj also described the actions of the perpetrators as callous and inhuman, praying that Allah will give the families of those who lost their loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.Meanwhile, the Commonwealth has condemns those responsible for the fatal bomb attack on the United Nations building in Abuja, Nigeria, on Friday 26 August 2011.

“This is a dastardly and atrocious act. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish casualties a speedy recovery,” said Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma.

The UN and Commonwealth work alongside each other as institutions committed to international respect and understanding. We share many values, including peace, tolerance, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

This outrage is an attack on these values and undermines our efforts to nurture security and international harmony.

We are confident the Government of Nigeria will put every effort into identifying the perpetrators of this heinous crime and to ensure that they are swiftly brought to justice.”

A car bomb blast at the building housing 26 United Nations humanitarian and development agencies has reportedly killed at least 18 people and left a number of others badly injured.

PR/Iheanacho