President Buhari Assures Erdogan, Turkey Of Support Against Terrorism

President Muhammadu Buhari Sunday assured President Recep Tayyep Erdogan of Turkey of the continued support of Nigeria in the global war against terrorism.

He condemned the terrorist bomb attack that claimed several lives and injured tens of others at a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul, Türkiye.

Buhari, in a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, described the attack as “despicable and cowardly”.

He assured Turkish President Erdogan that “the thoughts and prayers of the government and people of Nigeria are with the families of the innocent people killed and we wish full and speedy recovery to those injured.”

At least six people have been killed and 81 wounded in an explosion in a busy area of central Istanbul, Turkish authorities have said.

The blast happened at about 16:20 local time (13:20 GMT) on Sunday on a shopping street in the Taksim Square area.

A suspect has now been arrested, the interior minister said.

Vice-President Fuat Oktay earlier said the blast was thought to be a terrorist attack carried out by a woman.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the perpetrators would be punished.

Speaking at a news conference in Istanbul, he condemned what he called the “vile attack” and said “the smell of terror” was in the air.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag told Turkish media a woman had sat on a bench in the area for more than 40 minutes, leaving just minutes before the blast took place.