In progress at UNHQ

SG/SM/19092

Secretary-General Condemns Killing in Nigeria by Suspected Boko Haram Insurgents Targeting Eid al-Fitr Celebrations, Reiterates Support for Fighting Terrorism

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General condemns the killing in the Damboa local government area of Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria, on 16 June by suspected Boko Haram insurgents targeting Eid al-Fitr celebrations.  The Secretary-General expresses his condolences to the affected families and to the Government and people of Nigeria and wishes those injured a swift recovery.

The Secretary-General stresses that attacks targeting civilians violate international humanitarian law, and he calls for those responsible for this attack to be swiftly brought to justice.

The Secretary-General reiterates the United Nations solidarity and support with the affected Governments in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Basin and the greater Sahel region.

For information media. Not an official record.