UN Security Council Condemns Terror Attack in North Central Nigeria

The United Nations Security Council has added its voice to the growing number of condemnations following a terror attack in Nigeria’s North Central Kwara State, which has killed an estimated 170 people as of February 3.

Members of the Security Council, in a statement issued on Tuesday, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as heinous and cowardly, and noting that it resulted in the loss of at least 100 lives and the destruction of property.

They expressed their “deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and the people of Nigeria.” The Council members also “wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured, as well as the safe return of those abducted.”

The Council urged all UN member states, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Nigerian government in this regard. They also emphasized the need to “hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.”

Armed groups attacked two villages in Kwara State, where many of the victims were reportedly shot at close range, while homes and shops were set ablaze, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushland.

The Kwara State government confirmed that 75 victims were buried in a mass grave, but estimates indicate that 170 bodies were recovered, with the death toll expected to rise.

Kwara State has in recent months experienced a rising spate of banditry, kidnapping, and extremist attacks.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever, and by whomsoever committed, and stressed the need to uphold obligations under the UN Charter and international law.