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The United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon has condemned last Sunday’s killing of 30 civilians in Mandarari Community multiple suicide attacks in Borno.
Konduga is 38 kilometres east of Maiduguri, the state capital and had been attacked severally by Boko Haram terrorists in the last seven years.
Kallon in a statement yesterday in Maiduguri disclosed that over 40 residents were also injured in the bombings, adding: “The attacks targeted civilians who were gathered in a sports viewing hall to watch a televised football match and a nearby cafe.”
He said among the deceased was a community volunteer who was contributing to the humanitarian response in Northeastern Nigeria.
“Those seriously injured as a result of the bomb blasts have been transported to Maiduguri for medical treatment. This is another sad day for civilians in north-east Nigeria and for the humanitarians who are working to help them,” he said.
Lamenting that the UN and its partners deplore the abhorrent acts of violence, he declared that targeted attacks on civilians constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
He also urged all parties in the conflict to protect civilians and comply with international human rights and humanitarian laws, insisting that perpetrators of the attacks must be swiftly brought to justice.
“Our deepest condolences go to the families of the victims in Konduga. We hope all those injured can access the urgent medical attention they require and wish them a full recovery,” Kallon said.
He noted the humanitarian crisis in North East was one of the most severe in the world and was first and foremost a protection crisis.
According to him, since the commencement of conflict in 2009, over 27,000 persons have been killed even as women, men and children face grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian laws daily.
Meanwhile, a fresh attack on Unguwan Rimi Village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Monday has claimed the lives of two children and a teenager.
It was learnt that the attackers suspected to be Fulani herdsmen invaded the village and started shooting sporadically, leaving some people dead and several others injured.
Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying three persons were killed in the incident.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo, disclosed that the victims are, Monday Yahaya (8), Samson David (17) and Ashimile Danladi (9).