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Ban and Security Council strongly condemn terrorist attacks in Nigeria

A car that was burnt during the crackdown in Nigeria on the extremist Islamist group known as Boko Haram in July 2011.
Aminu Abubakar/IRIN
A car that was burnt during the crackdown in Nigeria on the extremist Islamist group known as Boko Haram in July 2011.

Ban and Security Council strongly condemn terrorist attacks in Nigeria

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council have strongly condemned Friday's terrorist attacks in Nigeria which led to numerous deaths and injuries, and underlined the need to bring those responsible to justice.

At least 65 people were killed in the north-eastern cities of Damaturu and Potiskum, according to media reports, after Islamist insurgents bombed churches, mosques and police stations and fought hours of gun battles with police.

The extremist group known as Boko Haram reportedly claimed responsibility for the attacks. It is the same group that claimed responsibility for the attack on the United Nations building in Abuja in late August that resulted in the deaths of 24 people, including 12 of the world body's staff.

Mr. Ban, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, expressed his sincere condolences to the people of Nigeria and to the bereaved families, and said he hoped that the perpetrators of these attacks will be brought to justice.

“He reiterates his firm conviction that no objective sought can justify this resort to violence,” the statement added.

In a statement issued to the press, the Council underlined the need to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these “reprehensible” attacks to justice, and urged all States to cooperate with Nigeria to this end.

“The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group,” said the statement.