UN chief condemns Zamfara killings, asks FG to arrest perpetrators

The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Antonio Guterres, has condemned the recent attacks that claimed the lives of scores of residents in Zamfara State.

In a statement on Monday by his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, he condoled with the families whose loved ones were lost to the attacks.

He also called for the arrest and prosecution of the assailants and assured the Nigerian government of the UN’s support in the fight against terrorists and other criminals.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the appalling attacks perpetrated over the weekend in Nigeria’s Zamfara State in which scores of civilians were killed,” the statement said. “He extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

“The Secretary-General urges the Nigerian authorities to spare no effort in bringing those responsible for these heinous crimes to justice.

“The Secretary-General reaffirms the solidarity and support of the United Nations to the Government and people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime.”

Channels Television had reported that scores of locals were killed in recent attacks by bandits on two local government areas of Zamfara.

No fewer than four villages were razed in the attacks that lasted about 48 hours in Anka and Bukkuyum LGAs.

The incidents attracted condemnation from various individuals and groups within Nigeria, and from the international community.

President Muhammadu Buhari had also condemned the attacks in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

“The latest attacks on innocent people by the bandits is an act of desperation by mass murderers, now under relentless pressure from our military forces who are well equipped to effectively confront these enemies of humanity,” he had said.

“In keeping with my commitment to tackling the monster of terrorism head-on, let me reassure these besieged communities and other Nigerians that this government will not abandon them to their fate because we are more than ever determined to get rid of these outlaws.

“These criminals will be history because we are not going to relent in our current military operations to get rid of these thugs who have been terrorising innocent people.” (Channels TV)