PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
UN Security Council condemns terror attacks in Nigeria
New York, US (PANA) - The UN Security Council has strongly condemned Friday's terror attacks in Nigeria, which led to more than 150 deaths and numerous injuries in the north-eastern cities of Damaturu and Potiskum.
The attacks occurred as Islamist insurgents belonging to the Boko Haram group bombed churches, mosques and police stations and fought hours of gun battles with police.
It is the same group that claimed responsibility for the attack on the UN building in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, in late August that resulted in the deaths of 24 people, including 12 of the organisation's personnel.
In a statement issued late Saturday evening in New York, the Council stressed the need to bring those responsible to justice, including the organizers, financiers and sponsors.
The Council members expressed their deep sympathy and condolences with the victims of these "heinous" crimes and their families, and to the people and the Nigerian government.
"The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group," the statement noted.
The Council also urged all UN member states to cooperate and assist Nigeria to checkmate the activities of the terrorist group.
It further called on Nigerians to support the government in its efforts to apprehend the members of the group.
-0- PANA AA/SEG 6Nov2011
The attacks occurred as Islamist insurgents belonging to the Boko Haram group bombed churches, mosques and police stations and fought hours of gun battles with police.
It is the same group that claimed responsibility for the attack on the UN building in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, in late August that resulted in the deaths of 24 people, including 12 of the organisation's personnel.
In a statement issued late Saturday evening in New York, the Council stressed the need to bring those responsible to justice, including the organizers, financiers and sponsors.
The Council members expressed their deep sympathy and condolences with the victims of these "heinous" crimes and their families, and to the people and the Nigerian government.
"The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group," the statement noted.
The Council also urged all UN member states to cooperate and assist Nigeria to checkmate the activities of the terrorist group.
It further called on Nigerians to support the government in its efforts to apprehend the members of the group.
-0- PANA AA/SEG 6Nov2011
