Latest deadly attacks in north-eastern Nigeria condemned by UN human rights office

18 February 2014 – The United Nations human rights office today strongly condemned the attack on several villages in north-eastern Nigeria on Sunday that led to the death of more than 150 people.

According to reports, about 65 persons were killed in seven villages in Adamawa state, while some 90 others were killed in Izge village, Borno state. Many residents have now fled the area for fear of further attacks by the armed men, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported.

“We condemn in the strongest terms Sunday’s attack by gunmen against eight villages in Adamawa and Borno states,” OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told a news conference in Geneva.

“We are appalled by the extreme and indiscriminate violence which Nigeria has being witnessing in recent times, including the attacks on two villages on 11 February, which left 39 people dead, 65 injured and reportedly 2,000 homes destroyed,” she added.

OHCHR urged the Nigerian Government to do more to provide security and protection to civilians, especially in areas prone to attacks and where a state of emergency has been proclaimed.

“We also call upon the authorities to launch a prompt and thorough investigation, and make sure that perpetrators of these gross human rights violations and killings are duly prosecuted and held responsible,” said Ms. Shamdasani.

According to media reports, the Islamist militant group known as Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for Sunday’s attacks, the latest violence to hit the region. The group has in the past targeted civilians, including students and worshippers, politicians, members of Government institutions and foreign nationals