Ban strongly condemns attacks in Nigeria’s Borno state, urges dialogue

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on all extremist groups in Nigeria to cease their attacks, after dozens of people were killed in the country’s north-east, including worshippers reportedly shot to death while praying inside a mosque.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the recent violent attacks that have killed scores of civilians in the localities of Mafa and Kondugo in Borno state,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

No group has yet accepted responsibility for the attacks which happened nearly simultaneously in neighbouring villages, according to media reports. Over 40 people are said to have been killed in the mosque attack alone.

Mr. Ban called on all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and other peaceful means.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his firm conviction that no objective can be attained through such violence,” the spokesperson stressed.