Lurgan Proxy Bomb Attempt Would Have Caused 'Devastation', Says Justice Minister
Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long has declared that a proxy bomb attack targeting Lurgan police station would have resulted in "devastation" had it successfully detonated. The minister made these stark remarks during a visit to the station following the alarming incident on Monday night.
Delivery Driver Hijacked in Terrifying Ordeal
The attack involved a food delivery driver being hijacked in the Kilwilkie area and forced to transport what police described as a "crude but viable" explosive device directly to the police station. Dissident republican groups have been widely blamed for orchestrating this dangerous operation.
Naomi Long paid tribute to station staff during her Wednesday visit, condemning the attempted attack as "abhorrent" and demonstrating "complete disregard for the wellbeing and safety of everyone who lives in the town."
Minister Warns of Potential Catastrophe
"Over the years, we have seen how lives have been lost in similar incidents," Minister Long stated. "Had the device used in this incident exploded prematurely, it would have resulted in similar devastation."
The justice minister expressed particular concern for the delivery driver caught up in what she called "an absolutely horrific experience," adding: "I hope he is able to come to terms with the trauma he has suffered."
Political Leaders Unite in Condemnation
The incident has been roundly condemned by political leaders across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Police suggested the attack was likely a "sad and futile" attempt by dissident republicans to "make themselves relevant" ahead of the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the tactic as "appalling" and reminiscent of methods witnessed during The Troubles, calling it the product of "a very degraded mind." He emphasized: "It's depressing that that type of thinking is still prevalent, and there is no room for it in our society."
Police Response and Community Support
Superintendent Brendan Green reported that officers have been "heartened" by widespread community support following the incident. He stated unequivocally that those responsible "do not represent the residents of Lurgan" and their actions lack local support.
"They offer nothing to our community beyond the disruption and distress caused by their pathetic attempt to achieve some kind of relevance," Superintendent Green declared.
Ongoing Security Threats
Minister Long emphasized that the incident serves as a stark reminder that some still want Northern Ireland to live under the shadow of terror and violence. She praised police officers who dealt with the incident "in a professional and swift manner, putting themselves at risk."
"Targeting people who are simply going about their business shows the mindset of the people behind this attack," Long concluded. "They offer nothing to society."
Irish Deputy Premier Simon Harris echoed these concerns, describing the Lurgan incident as "deeply chilling and deeply concerning" and emphasizing that "the dark history needs to be left just there."
