Minister of
Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has strongly condemned the attack on
Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Benin, Edo State, on Sunday, during whic
h three
policemen were killed and the Head of the Zoo, Dr. Andy Ehanire, was abducted
by the attackers.
In a
statement issued on Monday, the Minister described the attack on one of the
country's foremost tourist destinations as a big blow to ongoing efforts to
lift the tourism sector in the country.
''The
success or failure of a tourism destination depends largely on a
safe and
secure environment. Incidences such as the attack on the Ogba
Zoo and
Nature Park therefore negate the concept of tourism as well as
government's
determination to develop our tourism industry as a tool
for
socio-economic development.
''The killing
of the three policemen attached to the zoo to provide
security for
fun seekers, the abduction of the zoo boss and the trauma
suffered by
the visitors who witnessed the attack are saddening,
condemnable
and most unfortunate,'' he said.
Alhaji
Mohammed said the government will step up security in all the
tourist
sites across the country in particular in order to prevent a
recurrence,
while urging the abductors of Dr Ehanire to quickly
release him
unharmed.
He also sent
his condolences to the families of the policemen who were
killed in
the attack, and prayed that God will grant repose to their
souls.
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