The recent attacks on Brussels call for a greater cooperation against terrorism, President Muhammadu Buhari said Tuesday, joining leaders across Europe and the rest of the world in condemning the atrocious attacks on the Zaventem Airport and Maalbeek Metro Station in Brussels.
A statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, said President Buhari commiserated with the Prime Minister Charles Michel and Belgians over the loss of over 30 lives in the attacks.
“President Buhari believes that the appalling attack on Brussels reinforces the need for greater international cooperation to effectively confront and destroy global terrorism and its perpetrators,” the statement read.
No fewer than 31 people were killed and many more injured in the attacks at Brussels international airport and a city metro station, according to reports by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The twin blasts hit Zaventem airport at 07:00 GMT, killing 11 and injuring 81, another explosion struck Maelbeek metro station an hour later leaving at least 20 people dead.
“This is yet another reminder that the world must unite,” said Barrack Obama, United States President. “We must be together, regardless of nationality or race or faith, in fighting against the scourge of terrorism.”
The call for unification follows the claim of responsibility by the Islamic State, ISIS, several hours after the morning attacks.
According to an eyewitness account, the Islamic state fighters opened fire inside the Zaventem Airport, before several of them detonated their explosive belts.
“This has been an appalling and a devastating attack. My thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident at Brussels airport and Maelbeek metro station this morning,” said Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said it was an attack “at our freedom, our freedom of movement.”
Following the twin bomb attacks, Delta Airline said it had diverted its flight originally headed for Brussels from New York to Amsterdam since the airport had been closed.
A statement released by the airline said only “Delta’s flight DL80, a Boeing 767-300ER with 151 passengers and 1 crew, from Atlanta to Brussels landed safely at the airport and all customers have deplaned.
“This morning at approximately 8:15 am local time explosions were reported in the departures area of Brussels Airport in Belgium. The terminal was evacuated and is now closed with local emergency services onsite.
“Delta Air Lines and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to nearly 370 destinations on six continents. For more information visit news.delta.com
“Delta’s flight DL42, a Boeing 767-300ER with 144 passengers and 11 crew, from New York to Brussels was diverted to Amsterdam. The airport remains closed for any flights to and from the Brussels Airport in Belgium,” it said.
Public transportation in Brussels however resumed Tuesday afternoon while international train service to Paris and London was underway to restart.
Meanwhile Brussels police were reported to have conducted raids at locations in Scherbeek where they suspect the attacks were launched. They also issued a ‘wanted’ notice for one of the suspects in the attacks.
Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said the government “fears that there are still people at large.”
