The Security Council has strongly condemned Saturday's terrorist attacks in Nigeria which led to numerous deaths and injuries, and underlined the need to bring those responsible to justice.At least 65 people were killed in the north-eastern cities of Damaturu and Potiskum, according to media reports, after Islamist insurgents bombed churches, mosques and police stations and fought hours of gun battles with police. The extremist group known as Boko Haram reportedly claimed responsibility for the attacks. It is the same group that claimed responsibility for the attack on the United Nations building in Abuja in late August that resulted in the deaths of 24 people, including 12 of the world body's staff. In a statement issued to the press this evening, the Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of these “heinous” crimes and their families, and to the people and Government of Nigeria. “The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group,” said the statement. The 15-member body underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of the attacks to justice, and urged all States to cooperate with Nigeria to this end. BM/UN
