Global perspective Human stories

Ban condemns deadly bombings in Nigeria

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
UN Photo/Mark Garten
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Ban condemns deadly bombings in Nigeria

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned today the attacks targeting churches in Nigeria, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries among civilians who had gathered for Christmas Day services.

Ban and Security Council strongly condemn deadly bombings in Nigeria

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban expressed “his sympathy and condolences to the people of Nigeria and to the bereaved families who have lost loved ones.”

The bombings occurred in Madala, on the outskirts of Abuja, the Nigerian capital, the north-eastern city of Jos and Damatru.

“The Secretary-General calls once again for an end to all acts of sectarian violence in the country and reiterates his firm conviction that no objective sought can justify this resort to violence,” the statement said.

The Security Council also deplored the attacks and underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of acts of terrorism to justice and urged all Sates to actively cooperate with the Nigerian authorities to this end.

In a statement issued to the press, the 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.”

Last month, at least 65 people were killed in the north-eastern cities of Damaturu and Potiskum after Islamist insurgents bombed churches, mosques and police stations and fought hours of gun battles with police.