LOCKERBIE FLIGHT 103: 25 YEARS ON, TERROR BOMBING VICTIMS REMEMBERED by Benson Agoha

* Flight 103 wreckage.

On 21 December, 1998, the world was shocked when New York bound Flight 103 from London exploded in mid-flight over Lockerbie, Scotand in what later became a confirmed terrorist act.

In total 270 from 21 nations lost their lives. The youngest was two months old and the oldest was 82 years old. Of the lot, the there 243 passengers and 16 crew members on board. 11 more people died on the ground when some big sections of the broken aircraft crashed Lockerbie, Scotland.

The incident was followed by confusing claims and investigation dragged for three years before two Libyan nationals (Al-Amin Khalifa Fhimah and Abdel Basset Ali Megrahi) were named. But Libya, under late Col. Muamar Ghadafi refused to hand over the two men and for 10 years, Libya was at war of words with the West.

Eventually, in 1999 a breakthrough and the men (Al-Amin Khalifa Fhimah and Abdel Basset Ali Megrahi) were handed over, on the condition, Libya insits, that they will not be tried in either UK or the US. The men were tried in the Hague, Netherlands and in 2001 only Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, a Libyan intelligence officer, was convicted and jailed.

In August 2009, the Scottish government decided to release him on grounds of compassion at his failing health. He lived on for three years before dying in May, 2012.

al-Megrahi's release provoked loud outcry from the United States who said they were not consulted and with celebration from Libyans as he arrived home to a hero's welcome, even Britain joined the voice of condemnation of the turn of events in Tripoli.

Yesterday, the Scottish News Daily, Daily Record, honoured remembered the victims by publishing the entire list of the victims, from Lockerbie residents to the passengers including students of Syracuse University and the Pan Am 103 crew.

Prime Minister, David Cameron said on Twiter "As we mark 25 years since the Lockerbie tragedy, my thoughts are with those who lost loved ones so close to Christmas."

Labour Party Leader ED Miliband also remembered the victims and paid his respects.

Speaking on the 25th Anniversary of the bombing, Mr. Miliband said “The bombing of Pan Am flight 103 was a horrific act of terrorism that cruelly took the lives of people from Lockerbie, the rest of the UK, the USA and across the world."

The Labour leader said “Many of the victims were travelling to visit family and friends for Christmas. Our thoughts are with all of those who died and with the people who lost loved ones 25 years ago – many of whom campaigned passionately for justice for the victims.”

The Labour Leader tweeting saying "People from Lockerbie, the rest of the UK, the USA and across the world lost their lives 25 years ago."

Church services are expected to be held in the UK and Scotland, as well as in US to commemorate all the 270 people killed in Pan Am flight 103 in 1988.

* Twitter @bensonagoha.

* Twitter @woolwichonline.

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