United Nations Labels Nigeria ‘Violent Country’

Mr. Ban Ki-moon

United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon has described Nigeria as a violent country.

Reacting to frequent killings in the country, yesterday, has said that violence fuelled by sectarian motives was not uncommon in Nigeria as Boko Haram has frequently resorted to targeting civilians.

He noted that the United Nations’ record shows that over 100 people were killed when the radical group attacked churches in Kaduna State, drawing widespread condemnation from the world body in 2012.

Ban Ki-moon also expressed shock and sadness at reports of high number of civilians killed in Borno State following armed clashes there between government forces and an extremist group.

Last weekend, fighting between Nigeria’s military and Islamic extremists caused the deaths of at least 185 people in the northeastern town of Baga, media sources have reported.

The Secretary-General reiterated his firm conviction that no objective sought could justify this resort to violence,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement made available to United Nations correspondents.

“He expresses his condolences to the bereaved families and calls on all extremist groups to cease their attacks.”

Mr. Ban “underscores the need for all concerned to full respect human rights and safeguard the lives of civilians,” the Secretary-General’s statement added.

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