Do more to end violent attacks in Nigeria, bring sponsors to book – US urges FG

The United States has urged the Nigerian government to increase its efforts towards ending the violent trend in the country by bringing the criminals to book, and securing human lives.

Secretary of States Mike Pompeo made the call in a press statement made available to Television Nigerian called attention to attacks of communities in Borno and Katsina states by suspected members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP), a breakaway of Boko Haram.

”We condemn the recent  senseless and  brazen killings of civilians  in northern Nigeria.

”In recent weeks, suspected  ISIS West Africa  militants launched multiple attacks in  Borno  State, killing more than 120 civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.  On June 9, unidentified armed  bandits  attacked a village in Katsina State, killing dozens.

”These horrific crimes follow the  shooting  of a  pastor and his pregnant wife on June 1 and the killing of an imam, local village head, and several civilians  on June  5  in  the course of intercommunal violence in  Taraba State.

”Tens of thousands of civilians have  lost their lives  in Nigeria in recent years to  violent  attacks  by  terrorist groups  or  criminal gangs, in inter-communal violence, or due to their religious beliefs.

”The United States calls on the Government of Nigeria to do more to strengthen ongoing efforts to address this violence, hold those responsible accountable,  and protect  civilians.” – Pompeo said.

Top security and intelligence chiefs including the Inspector General of Police on Wednesday arrived Katsina state in an effort to reassure residents that efforts are ongoing to bring an end to the carnage.