At least 138 people were killed and 450 hurt in the bomb attacks on several churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. An incident which coincided with Easter celebrations.
Eight blasts were reported, including at three churches in Negombo, Batticaloa and Colombo’s Kochchikade district. The Shangri-La, Kingsbury and Cinnamon Grand hotels and one other, all in the capital, were also targeted.
A national curfew has been put in place “until further notice” and social media networks have been temporarily blocked.
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday joined world leaders in condemning the bombings. Buhari, in a statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu extended condolences to the families of persons killed and wished the injured speedy recovery. “We stand with victims of terrorism all over the world because we know and understand this harrowing inhuman activity,” the president said. He added that Nigeria was standing with the people of Sri Lanka, even as he urged authorities not to spare “the wicked elements behind these mischievous attacks.”
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev Dr Samson Ayokunle said it was “a tragic irony that these dastardly acts took place while we are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ who died for the sin of the world including those terrorists.”In a statement, he urged the United Nations to step up aid to victims of similar attacks in Nigeria and other countries. He recalled: “This weekend, here in Nigeria, not fewer than 11 people were reportedly killed in Benue State during the Easter celebrations,” adding optimistically: “The good news is that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will restore peace to the world.”
Also, state chairman of CAN, Kaduna chapter, Rev Joseph Hayab, called on the international community and world leaders to bring the perpetrators to book. “They should be punished. The world should find solution to these killings and attacks that are spreading across countries,” he said.Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena issued a statement calling for people to remain calm and support the authorities in their investigations. Also, Prime Ministrer Ranil Wickremesinghe condemned what he described as “cowardly attacks”. He called on the people “during this tragic time to remain united and strong.”
Pope Francis, in his traditional Urbi et Orbi speech at the Vatican, condemned the attacks as “such cruel violence” targeting Christians celebrating Easter. Cardinal Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Ranjith said “It’s a very difficult and a very sad situation for all of us because we never expected such a thing to happen and especially on Easter Sunday.”
UK Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted condolences, saying the “acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling”. US President Donald Trump tweeted “heartfelt condolences” for the “horrible terrorist attacks”.A Sri Lankan foreign ministry official meanwhile said at least 27 foreign nationals were among the dead.
Reports say seven people were arrested. It however remains unclear who was responsible for the attacks.The country’s defence minister said one group probably carried out the bombings.The first reports of explosions came at about 8:45 a.m. local time, with six blasts reported close together at churches and luxury hotels. St Sebastian’s church in Negombo was severely damaged in one explosion, with dozens killed at the site. Images from inside showed blood on the pews and the building’s ceiling shattered.
There were also heavy casualties at the site of the first blast in StAnthony’s, a hugely popular shrine in Kochchikade, a district of Colombo.
