The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and presidential hopeful, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the attack on a Abuja-Kaduna train by bandit terrorists.
Bandit terrorists had on Monday evening attacked a Kaduna bound train with explosives and gunfire, killing eight people, injuring many and abducting others.
Reacting in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday night, Tinubu asked those still celebrating his 70th birthday to stop immediately.
According to the former Lagos State governor, terror and banditry needs to be eradicated from every corner of the country.
He also called on Nigerians to join him in donating to families of those who lost their lives and those that have been wounded.
Tinubu statement reads: “In sober realization of the extent of the terror that befell our nation yesterday on the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, we reach out to console the families left bereaved as well as those who have been left scarred by the mindless violence.
“While we do all we can to give comfort to those in need of it, we must stiffen our resolve and make stronger our response to such atrocities.
“Today marked my 70th birthday, a moment intended for celebration. Yet, I cannot celebrate knowing what has happened to so many of our beloved people.
“Earlier I stood before the attendees at the annual colloquium held on my birthday, explaining to them, and asking for their understanding, why the event could not proceed given what had happened.
“Now, I ask for something further from you, as a show of compassion. I have been informed that many people continued to celebrate my birthday at various events in different locations throughout the day.
“I appreciate the show of support and affection. However, I must ask that such celebrations stop. Now is not the time.
“Additionally, I ask all who can, to join me in donating to the families of the bereaved and to the immediate needs of the wounded and distressed.
“We are one national family. We must aid our brothers and sisters at this time.
“Nigeria deserves better than what took place yesterday, and at other times. Terror and banditry have no place here.
“We must eradicate them such that these twin evils have no hold on even a centimetre of our national soil. We must not stop until we realize a better future, a greater, more peaceful Nigeria.
“To the bereaved, I offer my thoughts and prayers. To the wounded, may you heal. To the perpetrators, I have nothing to say except that may the justice you face be swift and uncompromising.”