TheCable

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned Tuesday’s Boko Haram attacks in Borno, saying the perpetrators should be “swiftly” brought to justice.

A female bomber had blown herself up at a market in Konduga, a village near Maiduguri, killing 27 persons.

In a separate attack, two suicide bombers blew themselves up at the gates of an internally displaced person (IDP) camp, injuring many.

In a statement issued by Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres’s spokesman, the secretary-general called for the prosecution of those responsible for the “senseless” attacks.

He also condemned similar terror attacks carried out in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

He called for “those responsible for these repeated heinous acts in Nigeria and neighbouring countries to be swiftly brought to justice”.

The UN chief extended his deep condolences to the government and people of Nigeria for the loss of lives, while wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.

He reiterated “the United Nations solidarity and support to the government of Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism”.

Guterres also renewed the commitment of the United Nations to support efforts within the framework of the counter-terrorism initiatives of the Lake Chad basin commission.

The latest attack happened on the same day the military launched mobile strike teams in the theatre of operation to enhance operational efficiency in the anti-terrorism war.

It also took place around the same time Abubakar Shekau, Boko Haram leader, released a video threatening to carry out attacks on Maiduguri.

“You are finished! You the people of Maiduguri, we will finish you for choosing the way of the infidels, for embracing democracy,” Shekau had said in the video.

The sect has continued to carry out attacks in the region despite military presence.

After killing some oil workers in Borno last month, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo ordered service chiefs to relocate to the hotbed of the insurgency. The order has, however, not reduced the spate of attacks.