The Federal Government has condemned the attack on Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Benin, Edo State, on Sunday, during which three policemen were killed and the Head of the Zoo, Dr. Andy Ehanire, was abducted by the attackers.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who made the government’s position known in a statement issued on Monday, 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.
He said the success or failure of a tourism destination depends largely on a safe and secure environment. He said incidences such as the attack on the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park negate the concept of tourism as well as government’s determination to develop its tourism industry as a tool for socio-economic development.
Mohammed said the government will step up security in the entire tourist sites in the country in order to prevent a recurrence, while urging 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.
By JUDE
