By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The United States and the United Nations have strongly condemned the recent suicide bomb attacks in Borno State, Nigeria, The attack launched in the wedding which was held at Tashan Mararaba near the Fire Service in Gwoza town resulted in the loss of over 18 lives and left more than 50 people injured on Saturday. The attacks, which targeted civilian populations in Gwoza, have sparked widespread condemnation across political divides, with many calling for a revamp of the country’s security architecture.
According to the Emir of Gwoza he confirmed a female suicide bomber attacked a wedding and funeral on Saturday, killing over 18 people on the spot and leaving more than 50 people injured.
The US Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria released a statement condemning the attacks in the strongest possible terms, Borno State Suicide Bombings: US, UN React with Condemnation describing them as “horrific” and “reprehensible acts of violence” that show a “cruel and heartless disregard for human life.” The statement offered condolences to the families of the victims and wished a full recovery to the injured. The US reiterated its commitment to partnering with Nigeria to defeat terrorism and bring the perpetrators to justice. The statement read:
We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wish a full recovery to the injured.
“These abhorrent attacks are a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorism in the region.
“The U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria is committed to our partnership with Nigeria as it works to defeat terrorism and bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice.”
However, The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, also expressed his horror and condemnation of the attacks, standing in solidarity with the Government of Nigeria and the families and communities affected. He reminded all parties involved in the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians from harm. The UN offered support to the victims of the attacks and conveyed condolences to the Borno State Government.
“I am horrified by this attack on civilian populations and condemn such acts in the strongest terms. I stand in solidarity with the Government of Nigeria and the families and communities of all those affected,” he stated.
Fall also reminded all parties involved in the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians from harm.
He emphasised the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the victims of the attacks and conveyed his condolences to the Borno State Government.
“I have reached out to the Borno State Government to express my condolences and offer any support that the United Nations and the humanitarian community can provide to aid the victims of the attack,” he added.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has expressed sadness at the loss of innocent lives and vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. The attacks have raised concerns about the ongoing threat posed by terrorism in the region, and the need for increased efforts to protect civilian populations. The US and UN statements demonstrate the international community’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and promoting peace and security in the region.