Secretary-General Condemns Killings in Nigeria, while Expressing Deep Concern over Persisting Violence in Lake Chad Basin Region

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

The Secretary-General condemns the killing of dozens of people in violence in Borno State, north‑eastern Nigeria, on 19 August.  The Secretary‑General expresses his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and to the Government and people of Nigeria, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.  He calls for those responsible for the violence to be swiftly brought to justice.

The Secretary‑General remains deeply concerned about the persisting violence in the Lake Chad Basin region.  He commends national and regional initiatives to bring peace and stability to the area and to address the root causes of the conflict.  He also reiterates his calls on the international community to increase support to regional efforts in the fight against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin.