The University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, has expressed grief, as it commiserates with the family of Late Dr Megafu Nwando Chinelo, who was a victim of terrorists attack on the Kaduna-bound train.
In a release signed by the newly elected President of the association, Pastor Williams Ule and made available to journalists, Ule said the incident which led to the killing of Dr Chinelo alongside a few other passengers, was both avoidable and regrettable .
According to him, the attack cut short the lives of very young and energetic Nigerians who had so much to contribute towards the development of the country at this crucial time of our development.
Late Dr Chinelo, who was a University of Port Harcourt-trained Dental Surgeon, had died from the wounds she sustained in the deadly attack. In the now-viral image, Chinelo was seen in a pool of her blood.
Expressing the heartfelt condolences of members of the Alumni over the sad development, to the families of those affected and to the family of Dr Chinelo in particular, Pastor Williams said this was unfortunate and unwarranted.
‘‘As an association, we identify and grieve with the entire family and families of other Nigerians killed during this gruesome attack. We are, however, consoled by the fact that the young lady died while pursuing and adding value to humanity.
‘‘It is our solemn and collective prayer that the Almighty God grants her soul eternal peace and give the entire family the grace and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss’’.
Ule, who condemned the terrorists attack, called on security agencies to immediately bring the pepertrators of this dastardly act to book. He also called on the federal government to tighten up security across the country, stating that the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna rail line shows how porous our security is in virtually all parts of the country.
He urged government to provide all necessary security devices and coverages to ensure the Nigerian rail network, roads, water ways and airports are properly secured in order to guarantee the lives and property of citizens of the country.
Meanwhile, another release signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the association, Matthew Ogagavworia, outrightly condemned the incident, describing it as “near breakdown of law and order which allows criminals of every hue to have a field day in inflicting pains, horror, bloodshed and untold hardships to their unsuspecting victims.
It also called for compensation to the immediate family of their late member, stating that Nigeria cannot continue to police the internal boundaries like it did 10years ago but embrace changes in the uniquely Nigerian environment and become more decisive and ruthless in its determination to deter, prevent and enforce law and order so that the bad guys in our midst would rethink violence.
According to the second release, Late Dr Megafu will be remembered as a conscientious, dedicated, committed Professional with a keen sense of duty and responsibility to serve her fatherland.