United Nations, March 24: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday strongly condemned the attack by unidentified gunmen against civilians in the Tahoua region of the Republic of Niger on Sunday, reportedly killing at least 137 people.
Through a statement attributable to his deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq, the UN chief expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families and the government of Niger and wishes a swift recovery to the injured.
"The secretary-general calls on the Nigerien authorities to spare no effort in identifying and swiftly bringing the perpetrators to justice and enhancing the protection of civilians," said the statement.
"The secretary-general reaffirms the solidarity and support of the United Nations to the Government and people of Niger in their efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime," it added.
The UN chief urged countries in the Sahel to continue their efforts, in close collaboration with regional organizations and international partners, to address these serious threats to security and stability in the sub-region and beyond.
Armed attackers riding motorcycles killed 137 people in coordinated raids on villages in southwestern Niger on Sunday, the government said, making it one of the deadliest days in recent memory in a country ravaged by violence.
Source: Xinhua
