Date Published: 08/26/11

UN Nigeria Country Team takes action to ensure Staff Safety and Continuity of Operations

New 24-hour Emergency Helpline Established for Staff and Families

Abuja, 27 August, 2011 : The Nigeria UN Country Team is assessing the full impact of yesterday’s bombing attack of the UN House, and continues with its efforts to ensure that the people affected are receiving medical care and support.

The UN House in Abuja includes 26 United Nations agencies and about 400 staff. The bomb, which occurred at approximately 1020 am on Friday 26 August, caused extensive damage to the entire building.

The UN is still assessing the human toll. Nine UN staff members are confirmed dead and many dozen are hospitalized with injuries. This figure does not include the deaths of any non-UN staff including security and visitors. The casualty numbers may change as the UN continues its assessment and more information flows in from hospitals, staff and their families.

“These deaths and injuries are a grievous blow to the UN family and our national partners. We have lost motivated, bright, selfless people who were working only for the good of Nigeria and the world. Our priority now is to ensure those who are injured and the families of those who died are cared for,” said Agathe Lawson, the acting Resident Coordinator for the UN System in Nigeria.

“Our second and urgent priority is to ensure the UN operations continue. We will not be deterred in our mission to work to improve the lives of Nigerians. This is why we are here.”

In order to provide information to staff and their families, the UN Nigeria office has established a 24-hour Emergency Helpline. UN councilors will operate four phone lines to provide staff and their families information and initial counseling.

The UN Helpline phone numbers are:

Given the likely volume of calls, the UN asks that only UN staff and immediate family members use these numbers.

Additional information will be provided as the situation evolves.

Journalists: given the circumstances, resources to answer media calls are limited. Should more information be required please call: 0810 015 4639, or send an SMS and your call will be returned.