Nigeria: Ban strongly condemns ongoing ‘horrific attacks’ by Boko Haram

Strongly condemning the ongoing “horrific attacks” being carried out by Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has deplored that such violence has become an almost daily occurrence, and reiterated the readiness of the United Nations to support the country.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the continuing horrific attacks by Boko Haram against civilians in northeastern Nigeria,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson in New York. This is the second such statement strongly denouncing the violence issued on behalf the Secretary-General in the past four days.

The UN chief added that such violence has become “an almost daily occurrence”, as demonstrated by the attacks over the weekend on villages and churches near Chibok, the village from where Boko Haram abducted over 200 schoolgirls.

“The Secretary-General reiterates the readiness of the United Nations to support Nigeria as it responds to this challenge in a manner consistent with its international human rights obligations,” said the statement, adding that Mr. Ban conveys his solidarity and sympathy to the victims of the violence and to the people of Nigeria.