UN condemns suspected Islamist attack in Nigeria

The UN has condemned the reported ambush and brutal killing of at least 37 civilians in Mukdolo village in Ngala Local Government Area of Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno State.

As we reported earlier, dozens of villagers were shot dead in an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap) militants, reports say.

The attack took place near a stronghold of Boko Haram insurgents.

Aside from the deaths, several others were also injured, with many still missing following the deadly attack.

Security sources say that dozens of the Iswap fighters riding on motorcycles stormed a field and began shooting sporadically. Nine among the victims managed to flee.

In a statement, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, sent his condolences to the bereaved families.

He noted that the victims of the heinous attack were fishermen and farmers eking out a livelihood in a very insecure environment.

“This deeply shocking attack is another horrific reminder of the real threats of violence and insecurity that IDPs and other people affected by more than 13 years of the non-international armed conflict in the region continue to face daily in their struggle to survive,” the statement said.

Mr Schmale called on state authorities to speedily investigate the incident and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

He also reminded parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect civilians from harm.