Church Bombing, Affront On God —TUC

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has described the Christmas Day bombing of a church in Niger State by the Boko Haram sect as an affront on God.

Members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect bombed St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla in Suleja L.G.A, during a church service on 25 December, killing 12 worshipers.

In a statement, it issued in Lagos on Tuesday, the TUC said that it was saddened by the continuous wastage of innocent lives by the group.

The statement was signed by the TUC President and General Secretary, Mr Peter Esele and Chief John Kolawole, respectively.

“The group which claimed to be fighting for God has actually become an affront on God.

“They have no right to attack, bomb or kill fellow citizens in the house of God,” it said.

The congress appealed to Christians to resist reprisal attacks which, it said, would not do any good to Nigeria.

It, however, advised religious and other organisations to devise lawful means of protecting their members from such attacks.

“Churches and other organisations should, henceforth, devise means of protecting and defending worshippers by having bomb detectors installed to screen all visitors,” the congress said.

The TUC urged the Federal Government to take decisive actions against bombings.

It said the huge amount appropriated to security in the 2012 budget proposal would not tackle Nigeria’s security challenges without competence on the part of security agencies.

“If all the security chiefs cannot arrest and nip in the bud this faceless group, then, they should be sacked immediately,” it said.

The TUC called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure effective policing of the entire country.