ABUJA, Sept. 8 — The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria has condemned an attack that killed more than 50 civilians in the country’s northeastern state of Borno over the weekend, citing preliminary reports.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Mohamed Fall, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, said an unknown number of people were also allegedly abducted, with others fleeing with injuries during the attack on dozens of civilians in Darajamal village of the Bama Local Government Area of Borno late Friday.
At least 28 houses were reportedly burned during the attack, Fall said, with the number of casualties expected to change.
Condemning the “heinous attack,” Fall called on local security authorities to apprehend the perpetrators and swiftly bring them to justice.
“This recent killing of civilians is yet another grim reminder of the toll of rising violent attacks and insecurity in Borno State this year.”
According to the UN official, multiple attacks against civilians have been recorded, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people in Borno alone.
He said the attacks, ranging from the invasion of communities to internally displaced people’s camps, using improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings, and other tactics, had targeted civilians, including farmers, fishermen, travelers, and traders.
Deadly attacks against civilians have also been recorded in neighboring Adamawa and Yobe states, with a rural health center, grain stores, and a market, among targeted areas, he noted.
“I reiterate my call to parties to the conflict to protect civilians, as well as their property, and to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law,” Fall said, adding that the UN reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting people affected by conflict to complement government efforts. (Xinhua)
