UN - Ban Ki-moon Condemns Twin Attacks on Nigeria, Cameroon

Ban Ki-moon 

By Nduka Nwosu N(ew York)

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has condemned twin attacks in Nigeria and the Cameroon yesterday by the terrorist organisation Boko Haram.

Boko Haram had carried out suicidal attacks in the two countries, targeting churches and mosques where they bombed Christian and Muslim worshippers in particular during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in the north eastern states of Borno and Yobe.

The statement released by Mr. Ban’s spokesman said: “The Secretary-General takes note of [Nigerian] President Muhammadu Buhari's determination to root out this menace, and commends the countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin for their steadfast efforts in the fight against Boko Haram.”

The suicide bombers that devastated both the Muslim and Christian communities counted the dead in their left dozens in Zaria in the early morning of yesterday stepping up a week long activity of  bombings and indiscriminate shootings into crowds of civilians.

Extending his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims by Mr. Ban, the statemend added: “The Secretary-General renews his calls to support the operationalization of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) through the provision of the requisite political, logistical, and financial resources and necessary expertise, consistent with international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law.”.

According to Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA), “Boko Haram has since May, stepped up its attacks in the Lake Chad Basin area – not only in Nigeria, but also in Niger and Chad – mainly against civilian targets, although the structure and capacity of the group for conventional warfare had been largely destroyed through regional action supported by international partners, which he called commendable.”

According to Ibn Chambas, there was need for further vigilance and coordinated regional action against Boko Haram adding that what was more important at this time was increased support from all the partners also stating that addressing the root causes of the insurgency was a requirement for lasting stability, with  “a coordinated post-conflict strategy  to help restore living conditions and allow the return of displaced persons.”