As Nigeria celebrates its 53rd year of independence, the United States in a recent statement from the State Department stands with all Nigerians to reject the heinous violence that continues to be perpetrated by Boko Haram and other extremist groups. These attacks on innocent civilians have no place in a democratic society.
Following last week’s heinous attack in Benisheikh, where more than 160 people were shot and slaughtered, this weekend’s attacks in Yobe state took the lives of more than fifty innocent students and civilians. The statement reads; “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in these senseless acts of violence.
We encourage the Government of Nigeria to work together with the families of the victims and affected communities to find and bring those responsible for this deplorable violence to justice, and to enhance the protection of civilians to ensure respect for the rule of law”.
President Goodluck Jonathan
In other related statements, the Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following;
“Canada strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack on a college in northeastern Nigeria. The perpetrators of this abhorrent act targeted innocent students while they were sleeping.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest sympathies to those injured in the attack and to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. We sincerely hope that the perpetrators of this despicable act will be brought to justice.
“Canadians stand united with the Nigerian people in deploring terrorism. We will continue to assist the people and Government of Nigeria as they strive to improve security and uphold the rule of law.”
The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:
“The High Representative condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack perpetrated today in Yobe State and those that took place on previous days and weeks in Northern Nigeria, in Abuja and elsewhere. Her thoughts are with the victims and their families.
The High Representative reiterates the EU’s firm rejection of such unjustifiable violence, whoever the perpetrators. Today’s attack clearly targeted children and students. Those responsible for this and all other attacks must be brought to justice and be held responsible for their acts.
The EU stands firmly with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, under the principles of the rule of law, including full respect and protection of human rights.”
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