UN Renews Call for Justice, Remembrance on 15th Anniversary of Abuja Bombing
Abah Felicity 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The United Nations has renewed its call for justice and remembrance for the victims of the 2011 bombing of its headquarters in Abuja, marking 15 years since the terrorist attack that claimed 23 lives and injured more than 60 others.
In a message commemorating the anniversary on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres paid tribute to those who lost their lives, survivors of the attack and the families who continue to bear the pain of the tragedy.
The bombing occurred on August 26, 2011, when a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the United Nations House in Abuja before detonating the device.
The attack killed 23 people, including 11 United Nations personnel, while dozens of others sustained injuries. Boko Haram later claimed responsibility for the attack, which drew widespread condemnation from Nigeria and the international community.
The explosion caused extensive damage to the UN complex, which housed several United Nations agencies, and heightened concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers operating in areas threatened by terrorism.
Since the attack, the United Nations has observed the anniversary annually, honouring those who died while recognising the courage of survivors and the resilience of affected families and colleagues.
Guterres reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to preserving the memory of the victims while continuing efforts to promote peace, support humanitarian operations and combat terrorism globally.
Commitment to Peace Continues
Fifteen years after the bombing, the UN said the anniversary remains a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences of terrorism and the need for sustained international cooperation to prevent violent extremism.
The organisation pledged to continue its humanitarian, peacebuilding and development work in Nigeria despite the challenges posed by insecurity.
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