Head of UN mission in Somalia Mr. Nicholas Kay today led a delegation from the UN office in Somalia to Garowe, Puntland to assess the situation following the deadly attack on Unicef staff early today.
Up to seven people died in the attack and close to six other sustained injuries in the early morning bombing of the UN staff bus.
Mr. Kay’s delegation are also set to hold a series of meetings with Puntland officials to discuss the increasing terror attacks in the area and security arrangements for the UN and its staff in the area.
Following the attack, UNICEF’s Executive Director, Anthony Lake, issued a statement on the terrifying incident.
“The horrific attack on our UNICEF colleagues today in northern Somalia is an assault not only on them but on the people they served. Our immediate thoughts are with the families of the four staff members who were killed and with those who were injured. All of us at UNICEF are deeply saddened, and deeply angered.
“Our colleagues dedicated their lives to working for the children of Somalia. They are not victims. They and those who were wounded are heroes. We mourn their loss and hope for the full recovery of the injured.
“Our continuing work for the most vulnerable children and their families in Somalia will be a fitting tribute to those we have lost.”
In all 13 people were either left dead by the explosion or were injured in varying degrees.
The dead were named as:
1. Brenda Kyeyune, Uganda.
2. Woki Munyui, Kenya.
3. Payenda Gul, Afghanistan.
4. Stephen Adero, Kenya.
5. A soldier of SPU, Somalia.
6. A soldier of PRS, Somalia.
The injured were:
1. Clement Adams, Uganda, light injury
2. Marialle Davies, Sierra Leone, seriously injured
3. Cabdirisaaq Maxamed, Somali, light injury
4. Jill Shermin, USA, light injuries
5. Makonna Florence, Kenya, serious injury
6. Two soldiers of SPU, light injury
