{"id":2964,"date":"2014-11-11T06:42:15","date_gmt":"2014-11-11T06:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/?p=2964"},"modified":"2014-11-11T06:42:15","modified_gmt":"2014-11-11T06:42:15","slug":"anger-as-suicide-bomber-kills-47-school-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/?p=2964","title":{"rendered":"Anger as suicide bomber kills 47 school children"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"A<\/a>
A victim of the Potiskum suicide bomb attack
| credits: Photo: Kayode Idowu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A\u00a0\u00a0 teenage\u00a0\u00a0 suicide bomber on Monday killed 47 schoolchildren and three teachers on\u00a0\u00a0 the assembly ground of the Government Comprehensive School in Potiskum, Yobe State.<\/p>\n

At least 98 other students and teachers were\u00a0\u00a0 seriously injured in the incident which occurred hours after Northern governors called on President Goodluck Jonathan \u201cto declare a total war and eliminate Boko Haram in our midst before the 2015 elections.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jonathan, who will on Tuesday(today) formally declare his intention to seek a re-election in 2015,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 had shortly after the news of the schoolchildren\u2019s killing, assured Nigerians that those behind the act would be apprehended.<\/p>\n

Although no group has claimed responsibility for the Monday attack, residents believe that the bomber must be a member of Boko Haram.<\/p>\n

A bomber had last week attacked a procession of Shiite movement in the town, killing\u00a0\u00a0 over 30 persons.<\/p>\n

Our correspondents gathered that the teenager bomber beat the school\u2019s security\u00a0\u00a0 and joined the students and teachers who were about to have their prayer before detonating explosives strewn to his body at about 7.45am.<\/p>\n

An eyewitness who did not want his name in print said that the bodies of \u201cabout\u00a0\u00a0 50, including three teachers, that died due to the attack were scattered on the assembly ground.<\/p>\n

He added, \u201cWe heard a loud bang and since then the area was cordoned off but ambulances were seen going into the school to pick corpses and take the injured to the hospital.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth members of staff and students who were not hurt wept profusely as they struggled to rush the wounded to the hospital.<\/p>\n

\u201cPotiskum has been in pandemonium since 7. 45am as a result of the attack on the school. I can tell you that all schools in the town have been closed now as parents have gone to pick up their children. There is wailing everywhere, especially around the school where the incident happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

The state government and the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, however put the number of the students and teachers that died at 35 and 47 respectively.<\/p>\n

Ojukwu confirmed that the bomber wore the school\u2019s uniform and mingled with the students\u00a0\u00a0 before detonating \u201csome improvised explosive devices.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ojukwu said, \u201cThe male suicide bomber was dressed as a student and he was able to enter the school and join the students on the assembly ground where he detonated the IEDs on him. The blast killed 47 students and teachers and injured 98 others. We have secured other schools around the area and investigation has commenced.\u201d<\/p>\n

He explained that the bodies of the dead victims were deposited at the General Hospital mortuary close to the school.<\/p>\n

Gov. Gaidam closes schools, asks for emergency rule\u2019s scorecard<\/strong><\/p>\n

The state Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, who said the attack had left him heartbroken, closed all public schools in the town pending improved security situation.<\/p>\n

He added that he lacked enough words to describe the incident, but challenged Jonathan to come out and explain to all Nigerians, especially those from\u00a0\u00a0 the North-East\u00a0\u00a0 what had been achieved through\u00a0\u00a0 emergency rule in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states.<\/p>\n

The governor, in a statement by his spokesman, Abdullahi Bego, said, \u201cThis (Monday) morning, our state woke up to a very sad and heart-breaking news of a bomb attack on our young students at the Government Comprehensive School, Potiskum in which no fewer than 35 students were killed and many more injured.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe governor has noted that this is the fifth time in a little over one year when schools in Yobe State were\u00a0\u00a0 attacked and students killed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe deeply regrets that all of these dastardly attacks took place under a climate of emergency rule declared in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states by President Jonathan.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn theory, the emergency rule declaration was a signal that more vigorous steps would be taken to protect lives and property\u00a0\u00a0 in the affected states and\u00a0\u00a0 restore peace and security. Unfortunately, these have not been fully the case. Instead of forcing insurgents and criminals to flee; the insurgents are forcing innocent people to flee and making life miserable for everyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cGovernor Gaidam believes that President\u00a0\u00a0 Jonathan has a very urgent responsibility to explain to the people of Yobe State and people all across the affected states why murderous and callous insurgent and criminal attacks are still on the rise despite the state of emergency.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe governor also insists that it was not just enough for the Federal Government to condemn the almost daily rounds of violence. He believes urgent action must be taken right now to restore a fast waning public confidence by doing whatever it takes to stop the escalating violence.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has ordered for the immediate closure of all public schools around the Potiskum area until a full review of the situation is undertaken.\u201d<\/p>\n

The governor however called on all people\u00a0\u00a0 to exercise restraint and continue to pray for the intervention of\u00a0\u00a0 Allah.<\/p>\n

The governor directed hospital authorities in Potiskum, Nguru and Azare to provide immediate medical support to victims of the\u00a0\u00a0 attack free of charge.<\/p>\n

Perpetrators\u2019ll be brought to justice <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013Jonathan<\/p>\n

Jonathan on Monday promised that no matter how long it would take, his administration would ensure that all those responsible for the\u00a0\u00a0 killings were brought to justice.<\/p>\n

He said the same fate awaited all those behind continuing acts of terrorism across the country.<\/p>\n

Jonathan said this in a statement made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.<\/p>\n

He extended his commiseration to the government and people of Yobe State on the death of the students.<\/p>\n

He also sympathised with all parents who lost their children and wards in the attack.<\/p>\n

The statement read in part, \u201cThe President condemns the dastardly murder of the students on their school\u2019s assembly ground as they prepared to begin another week of study in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe assures the grieving parents and people of Yobe State that no matter how long it takes, the Federal Government will ensure that all those responsible for the senseless murder of so many promising youngsters and the continuing acts of terrorism across the country are brought to justice and made to pay for their atrocious crimes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe President similarly assures all Nigerians that in spite of seeming setbacks, his administration remains fully committed to winning the war against insurgency and terrorism.<\/p>\n

\u201cNigeria, President Jonathan affirms, will ultimately overcome the current security challenges imposed by domestic terrorists and their foreign allies, with the dedication of its Armed Forces and national security agencies, as well as the continued support and cooperation of all patriotic citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jonathan had before the statement during the inauguration of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation secretariat in Kaduna\u00a0\u00a0 said his administration remained resolute in the protection of lives and property of Nigerians .<\/p>\n

The President, represented by the Minister for Special Duties and the supervising Minister of Labour, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, said the issue of security was a collective responsibility and not of security agents alone.<\/p>\n

According to him, his administration would\u00a0\u00a0 faithfully continue the war against terrorists in the country.<\/p>\n

The President, who extolled the virtue of the late Premier of the defunct Northern Region,\u00a0\u00a0 Ahmadu Bello,\u00a0\u00a0 also said that his\u00a0\u00a0 government was still disposed to dialogue with Boko Haram.<\/p>\n

He however noted that for those\u00a0\u00a0 not prepared for dialogue, the Nigerian Army had the capacity to overrun them.<\/p>\n

Northern govs want total war against Boko Haram<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Chairman of the Northern State Governors\u2019 Forum,\u00a0\u00a0 Babangida Aliyu, who attended the event, said unless the Federal Government declared a total war against Boko Haram, its members might overrun the North.<\/p>\n

Aliyu said the NSGF\u00a0\u00a0 would support the Jonathan-led government on a total war against the insurgents.<\/p>\n

He argued that since the Boko Haram members \u201cwere no longer terrorists but rebels,\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 the Federal Government must wage a total war against them.<\/p>\n

Aliyu lamented that the activities of the sect had dealt a deadly blow to the socio-economic life of the region.<\/p>\n

He said, \u2018\u2018Our job is complicated by the present predicaments in the country \u2013 Boko Haram, insecurity and abject poverty, among others.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must, as leaders, all come together on bipartisan or non-partisan basis to encourage Mr. President and the Federal Government to declare total war and eliminate Boko Haram in our midst before the 2015 elections.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are no more terrorists but rebels, who have declared war against their country and have acquired illegal territories. We must therefore crush them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Atiku, Mark, Saraki outraged<\/strong><\/p>\n

A former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, Senate President David Mark and a former Kwara State Governor, Bukola Saraki, condemned the killings and called for a concerted effort to wipe out Boko Haram.<\/p>\n

Atiku said in a statement by his media office in Abuja\u00a0\u00a0 that the latest bombing\u00a0\u00a0 once again underscored the need for the government at all levels and \u201cour elders and opinion leaders\u00a0\u00a0 to find a permanent solution to the insurgency which has ravaged our country for the past five years.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said, \u201cOne expects that knowing the anti-education mindset of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, the relevant authorities should have done their bit to ensure that at least, our educational institutions are provided with additional security.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark,\u00a0\u00a0 in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary,\u00a0\u00a0 Paul Mumeh, expressed regret over the incident and commiserated with the government and people of Yobe State, especially the bereaved parents over the sad development.<\/p>\n

He asked the members and sponsors of the \u201cbarbaric, senseless, and inhuman attack \u201d to stop it in the interest of peace and unity.<\/p>\n

Mark said, \u201cThe war on Nigerians by terrorists without boundaries where men, women, children and even the unborn are victims speaks volumes of the agenda of the terrorists.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is the offence of these innocent children? Even in warfare, there are boundaries. Even when enemies are known, women and children are usually spared, talk less of schoolchildren.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter the level of anger, it cannot be endless. Enough is enough. We must remember that no evil done to man by man would go unpunished , if not by man , certainly by the Almighty.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe cannot continue this way. It is not a way of life. It is time for a ceasefire. What do we achieve by ceaseless killings. How can we suddenly forget our brotherhood?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mark, therefore, called on\u00a0\u00a0 security operatives to step up action against the terrorists stressing that, \u201cwith increase intelligence and surveillance , a lot could be achieved.\u201d<\/p>\n

Also, Saraki lamented the killing and asked Jonathan to end the insurgency in the North-East.<\/p>\n

Saraki, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology,\u00a0\u00a0 noted that Boko Haram had by its action shown that it was bent on destroying the unity of Nigeria.<\/p>\n

He said, \u201cIn this regard, as we battle this scourge, and unite around those affected by today\u2019s attacks and all victims of this scourge, we must demand that President Jonathan take all necessary action to end Boko Haram\u2019s menace once and for all, instead of using security forces to intimidate perceived opponents.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy heart goes out to the families of the students affected by the bomb blast on an assembly ground in Yobe State this morning.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese children are the future of Nigeria, and again we have witnessed the fact that by attacking the young and innocent in our society, Boko Haram is seeking to break our united Nigerian spirit through their evil and cowardly acts. This shall not stand.\u201d<\/p>\n

He regretted that Boko Haram had in the past few weeks, \u201crampaged through the North-East, going as far as being audacious enough to tempt our sovereignty by hoisting\u00a0\u00a0 a dark flag to signify conquest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Source: The Punch<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A\u00a0\u00a0 teenage\u00a0\u00a0 suicide bomber on Monday killed 47 schoolchildren and three teachers on\u00a0\u00a0 the assembly ground of the Government Comprehensive School in Potiskum, Yobe State. At least 98 other students and teachers were\u00a0\u00a0 seriously injured in the incident which occurred hours after Northern governors called on President Goodluck Jonathan \u201cto declare a total war and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2965,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"spay_email":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2964","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/A-victim-of-the-Potiskum-suicide-bomb-attack-360x225.jpg","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4oswh-LO","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2964","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2964"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2964\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2966,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2964\/revisions\/2966"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2965"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2964"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2964"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/newsroom247.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2964"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}