A member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Prof. Steve Azaiki, has strongly denounced the recent assault on a convoy of United States aid workers and mobile police officers by armed assailants.
The attack, which occurred last Tuesday, targeted employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) who were traveling with police escorts from Lagos to Afani-Osamale in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The purpose of their journey was to evaluate the impact of erosion in the region, with the aim of providing assistance through USAID.
Unfortunately, the victims were tragically abducted and some of them lost their lives.
Reacting to the incident in his capacity as a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Prof. Azaiki expressed deep concern about the appalling attack, describing it “as a severe blow to Nigeria’s international reputation.”
While lamenting that such incidents have become far too frequent in Nigeria, the lawmaker representing the Yenagoa-Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, called on the government to take decisive action to combat criminal activities perpetrated by individuals involved in the attack.
“Nigeria’s cherishes its diplomatic relations with the United States, USAID, and other foreign development donors. As such, the vicious attack on aid workers of Nigerian origin and police officers was unwarranted and detrimental to the strong bond between the two nations,” the lawmaker said in a statement made available to newsmen.
Prof Azaiki went on to commend the US government for reaffirming their commitment to partnership in community development programs in Nigeria despite this disturbing incident.
According to him, the significant reaffirmation made by the U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. Antony J. Blinken, “underscores the US dedication to the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of nationality, working under their employ.”
He urged the Nigerian government to tread the same path in its ongoing efforts to combat rampant banditry, terrorism, kidnappings, and killings in the country.
Prof. Azaiki further commended Nigeria’s security operatives for their successful rescue of some of the abducted victims.
The lawmaker extended his heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian police force and the families who tragically lost their loved ones during the attack.
While lauding the police for apprehending two of the suspected gunmen, Prof. Azaiki called for intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining accomplices who are currently on the run.
He also urged authorities to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining captives.
