By The United Nations has condemned the attack on some rice farmers in Jere, Zabarmari, Borno State on Saturday by suspected Boko Haram fighters, describing it as the year’s “most violent” attack on innocent citizens.
The condemnation was contained in a statement on Sunday by its Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon.
The statement reads: “I am outraged and horrified by the gruesome attack against civilians carried out by non-state armed groups in villages near Borno State capital Maiduguri. Tens of civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others were wounded in this attack.
“I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives in this atrocious attack. I also wish a speedy recovery to those who were wounded in the incident.
“We have also received reports that several women may have been kidnapped. I call for their immediate release and return to safety.”
Kallon said the United Nations is working towards providing the necessary support for the affected persons, saying such attacks create more problems for the most vulnerable.
“The entire UN system and the humanitarian community working to provide life-saving and development assistance to the most vulnerable in Borno State is outraged by the incident.
“Such direct attacks against innocent civilians jeopardise the ability for the most vulnerable people to survive the adversity there are facing, and which we are striving to alleviate.
“The incident is the most violent direct attack against innocent civilians this year. I call for the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless act to be brought to justice.”
