Secretary-General condemns suspected Boko Haram attacks in north-east Nigeria

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the multiple bomb attacks at a mosque and nearby areas conducted by suspected Boko Haram elements in Maiduguri in north-east Nigeria on Sunday.

The attacks in Borno state reportedly killed at least 50 civilians and injured scores of others.

“The Secretary-General extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims to whom he wishes a speedy recovery,” his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said at a press briefing in New York.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the continuing brutal attacks against civilians, including children,” he said. “He is also deeply concerned about the increasing number of those displaced, including some 500,000 children over the past five months, with serious humanitarian consequences.”

Mr. Ban reiterated the UN’s support to the Nigerian Government in its fight against terrorism, which should be grounded on international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law, the spokesperson added.