December 23, 2024 04:30 pm (IST)
Follow us:
UN strongly condemns double bombings in Nigeria
New York, May 22 (IBNS): The United Nations envoy for West Africa has strongly condemned the double bombings that targeted a market in the Nigerian city of Jos and resulted in the deaths of over 100 people and the wounding of scores more.
In a statement issued in Dakar, Senegal, where he is based, Said Djinnit extended his solidarity and sympathy to the victims and their bereaved families, as well as to the Government and the people of Nigeria.
“He urged that the perpetrators of these heinous and cowardly attacks against innocent civilians should be swiftly brought to justice,” said the statement.
“The large-scale and devastating losses of lives caused by repeated indiscriminate killings cannot continue,” it added.
Djinnit, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA), also reiterated the world body’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to tackle the threat of terrorism within the framework of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
The envoy visited Nigeria from 12 to 15 May in his capacity as the High-Level Representative of the Secretary-General to discuss with Government officials the assistance that the UN could provide in support of ongoing efforts to seek the safe release of the more than 200 girls abducted from their school in Chibok in mid-April.
In the wake of that visit, the UN has prepared an integrated support package that includes immediate support to the affected families, the population and the girls after their release, in particular with psycho-social counselling and helping them reintegrate with their families and communities.
Tuesday’s bombings have reportedly been blamed on the militant group known as Boko Haram, which is responsible for the abduction of the school girls. The group, whose name stands for “Western education is a sin,” has been carrying out targeted attacks in recent years against schools, police, religious leaders, politicians, public and international institutions, indiscriminately killing civilians, including dozens of children.
(Refugees and returnees who have fled Boko Haram violence in Borno State, Nigeria, sheltering in Niger's Guesseré village on the border. Photo: IRIN/Anna Jefferys)
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
Asma al-Assad files for divorce with husband Bashar al-Assad, wants to return to UK
Mon, Dec 23 2024
Brazil: 10 die after small plane crashes in Gramado
Sun, Dec 22 2024
Elon Musk calls for German Chancellor Scholz’s resignation amid deadly attack at Christmas market
Sun, Dec 22 2024
‘Won’t let fall into wrong hands’: Trump threatens to retake Panama Canal amid growing Chinese influence in Panama
Sun, Dec 22 2024
French court convicts eight people for their role in teacher's beheading in Paris suburb
Sat, Dec 21 2024