Police Inspector General Hafiz Ringim
Nigeria Police have vowed to expose the “criminal elements” behind the massive bombing that tore through its headquarters this morning, killing two and wounding several others.
“Members of the public are assured that the criminal elements behind this dastardly attack will be fished out as the government, the Police and other security agencies will not succumb to the demand of any criminal group or individual,” Police spokesperson, Sola Amore, said in a statement, hours after the blast.
Promising to fish out perpetrators of crime is a usual refrain of the largely inept and corrupt Nigerian police, which have often demonstrated inability to unravel crimes.
In his statement, Mr. Amore said the body of the suicide bomber had been recovered and that investigation had commenced.
He confirmed earlier reports that the bomber and the traffic warden who intercepted him were killed in the blast.
The statement reads, “The Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Abubakar Ringim, NPM, mni has expressed his displeasure over the suicide bomb attack on vehicles parked at the Force Headquarters, Abuja car park.
“The unfortunate incident, which led to the death of the suicide bomber and a Police traffic warden, occurred at about 1100hrs of 16/06/2011 when the suicide bomber (sic) vehicle was intercepted and directed to the car park for searching and checking.
“The Traffic Warden who entered the vehicle of the suicide bomber to direct him to the car park was blown off along with him as soon as they got to the car park.
“The IGP wises (sic) a appreciate the efforts of the fire service and the team of armed forces fire service who promptly responded to put off the fire.
“The body of the suicide bomber has been recovered and a (sic) full investigation has commenced.
“Members of the public are assured that the criminal elements behind this dastardly attack will be fished out as the government, the Police and other security agencies will not succumb to the demand of any criminal group or individual.”