(No. 168 - June 17, 2011 - 1:45 p.m. ET) John Baird, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, today issued the following statement regarding the terrorist bombings in Nigeria yesterday:
“Canada strongly condemns the terrorist bombings in Nigeria on June 16.
“The bombing of the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja was a cowardly and despicable act. It is a direct attack on the right of the people of Nigeria to live in safety and peace.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
“Canadians stand together with the Nigerian people in deploring this act of terrorism. We will continue to assist the people and government of Nigeria as they strive to improve security and consolidate the gains it has made in democracy and the rule of law.”
The blast was heard at the High Commission for Canada, but all staff there are safe and unharmed. All registered Canadian citizens in Abuja are accounted for.
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