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Nigerians condemn attack as a 'setback for the nation'

December 28, 2009 Edition 2

LAGOS: Nigerians yesterday condemned a countryman's attempt to blow up a US airliner, with some fearing it had harmed their image.

"We are embarrassed by this incident and we strongly condemn the alleged action by this young man," Lateef Adegbite, secretary-general of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, said of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23.

"We do not think that there is any organised Islamic group in Nigeria that is inclined to such a criminal and violent act."

Sheik Muhideen Abdullahi, an Islamic leader, also "condemned strongly the botched attempt by the Nigerian".

The secretary-general of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Rev Saidu Dogo, said: "This is a new phenomenon whereby children of highly placed people get involved in acts of terrorism. It is a setback to Nigeria's image as its citizens will now be subjected to indignity and suspicion abroad."

Abdulmutallab is the son of a leading Nigerian banker.

Reuben Abati, a leading local newspaperman, said: "It is difficult to blame those who are insisting that Nigeria faces a dangerous threat from Islamic fundamentalism." - Sapa-AFP

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