Nigeria, UN condemn Mali terrorist attack, sends condolences
Nigeria as well as the United Nations (UN) have condemned the terrorist attack in Bamako, Mali.
A gendarmerie complex in Bamako, the capital of Mali, was attacked on Tuesday. Although the situation was under control, according to the Malian Ministry of Security and Civil Protection.
The ministry did not disclose the number of casualties. But media reports said more than 70 people were killed and over 200 others were wounded.
The attack which targeted a military airport and training centre resulted in multiple casualties and destruction of several military aircraft.
The spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, who stated this in a statement on Saturday described the attack as “abominable.”
Abu-Obe who expressed worries over the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region, also said: “This heinous act, which has claimed lives and caused the destruction of several military aircraft, is yet another stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region.
“It must be emphasised that acts of terrorism, regardless of where they occur, represent a threat to peace and security for the entire region,” the statement said in part,” he said.
The Federal Government extended its condolences to the Malian authorities and the families of those affected, noting: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragic incident.”
Bamako is typically spared from the frequent violence that plagues other areas of Mali, making this attack particularly alarming.
It has been claimed by an Al-Qaeda-linked group, raising concerns about the growing influence of extremist factions in West Africa.
The United Nations (UN) also condemned the attack.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who issued a strong condemnation according to his spokesman, Stephanie Dujarric said: “The secretary-general strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Bamako, Mali, on Sept. 17.”
According to the statement, Guterres sent condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the transitional government and the people of Mali.
He also wished the victims a speedy recovery.
The UN chief called on the Malian transitional government to ensure that those responsible for the dastardly attack are held accountable.
