SAN FRANCISCO, September 25, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has condemned the attack on Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Benin, Edo State, on Sunday, describing it as a big blow to ongoing efforts to lift the tourism sector in the country.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made this known in a statement issued on Monday in reaction to the attack on one of the country’s foremost tourist destinations.
He declared that the attack, which led to the death of three policemen and the abduction of the Head of the Zoo, Dr. Andy Ehanire, by the attackers, was saddening, condemnable and most unfortunate.
“The success or failure of a tourism destination depends largely on a safe and secure environment,” the statement read.
“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.
The Minister revealed that government will step up security in all tourist sites in the country in order to prevent a recurrence as he urged the abductors of 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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