United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday condemned the abduction and execution of civilians by an armed group in northern Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, said spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
In a statement, the UN secretary-general recalled that attacks by a party to an armed conflict that target civilians, aid workers, and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law. He said those responsible for the brutal attacks must be held accountable.
Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated the solidarity of the United Nations with the people and government of Nigeria. He noted that international human rights law and international humanitarian law must be fully respected, and all civilians in Nigeria must be protected.
The statement comes after many civilians were reportedly been executed and many others abducted on Monday.
Antonio José Canhandula, the acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator, said reports indicate the attacks took place along the Monguno-Maiduguri Road in northern Borno State, and on another key road link with Yobe State. He added that all the UN aid workers in the region have condemned the incidents.
Mr. Canhandula called on Nigerian authorities to take immediate steps to prevent violence and brutality in the country and to protect the civilian population, including aid workers, women and children from such grave violations of international laws.
According to UN estimates, the extremist group Boko Haram has been operating in northeastern Nigeria for the past decade, which has forced some seven million people to flee their homes.
Mr. Canhandula said more than 36,000 people have lost their lives since the start of the conflict, roughly half of them civilians, while nine aid workers were killed this year.
He added that more than 160,000 people fled their homes this year so far to get shelter in camps that are already congested.
