By Olaleke ASHAFA
The High Commission of Kenya to Nigeria Dr Wilfred Machage, has called for holistic approach toward combating trans-national crimes, especially terrorism, in the wake of terror attack on a Nairobi hotel complex.
Machage made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, in the wake of terror attack of Jan. 15 by fighters of cross-border terrorist group, Al-Shabaab.
Machage said 1000 civilians were evacuated from the complex, 21 people lost their lives and 18 others, however, still in the hospital.
The five terrorists, who carried out the attack on the Dusit D2-Complex in Nairobi, were killed by security agents.
“Despite the heinous attack, Kenya remains united and resilient and the event will not change our way of life.
“In fact, it has strengthened our resolve to continue with the never-ending work of strengthening our institutions and promoting regional and global peace and stability.
“While this attack on the Dusit Complex was on the Kenyan territory, it was targeted at the world; this is because this complex hosts international establishments and interests.
“This is not an issue that affects Kenya alone; Kenya and Nigeria do share in the same complexities when it comes to terrorism attacks.
“Terrorism has no colour, sex, tribe or particular population; it is what it is; therefore the need for vigilance, sharing of information, pulling of resources, staying together and fighting one war,” the envoy said.
He described the attack as a reminder that no country was immune to evil terrorism and terrorists’ objectives were to distort the regular way of life in societies.
Machage gave the assurance that Kenya would remain committed to regional and international efforts to detect, deter, disrupt and defeat any terrorist operations.
He also commended Nigeria’s support for Kenya in its fight against terrorism and reiterated Kenyan’s resolve to strengthen international support and cooperation in order to curb terrorism.
To achieve desired goals, the envoy also urged other African countries to always support all anti-terrorist measures.
“Let us raise the flag of unity in fighting terrorism; that is the flag that we want to see, be it red, white, blue, yellow, or black, but of international unity, to stem such attacks,” he said
