UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack in Kwara, North-central Nigeria, where more than 100 people were reportedly killed.
Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, stressed the importance of swiftly bringing the perpetrators of the dastardly attack to justice.
Also, the African Union (AU) Commission has condemned the attacks on Nuku and Woro communities in Kwara. The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in a statement, said he learned with deep shock and profound sorrow of the terrorist attack carried out on the communities.
Terrorists belonging to Memuda sect reportedly carried out the deadly attacks on Nuku and Woro communities in Kwara on Tuesday night into the early hours of Wednesday, leaving scores dead and property destroyed.
The UN chief conveyed his “heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Nigeria”.
The Secretary-General also wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
“The Secretary-General reiterates the solidarity of the United Nations with the Government and people of Nigeria in their efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism and stresses the importance of bringing the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.
According to media reports, armed groups attacked the two rural villages in Kwara state on Tuesday, with the death toll expected to rise as bodies continue to be discovered.
Many victims were reportedly shot at close range, while homes and shops were set ablaze, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushland.
The attack was the deadliest recorded in the area in recent months, amid a sharp rise in violence across Nigeria’s northwest and north-central regions, where armed groups have increasingly targeted civilians.
The worsening security situation has also contributed to a deepening humanitarian crisis, with large-scale displacement and growing hunger and malnutrition across affected areas.
Youssouf of the AU regretted reports that “at least 162 innocent civilians tragically lost their lives” in the violent attacks, which occured on Tuesday night into the early hours of Wednesday.
The AU Chairperson condemned “in the strongest possible terms this heinous and barbaric act, which constitutes a grave violation of human rights and an unacceptable assault on peace and security”.
He reaffirmed the African Union’s unwavering policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations.
The Chairperson extended “his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of the victims, as well as to the brotherly people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
He expressed the African Union’s “full solidarity with the Government of Nigeria and the authorities of Kwara State during this difficult time”.
The African Union reiterated its steadfast commitment to continue supporting the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in their efforts to consolidate peace, security and stability throughout the country.
(NAN)
