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By Myke Agunwa
Following attacks on harmless communities in Benue State lately, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the attacks perpetrated over the weekend in Benue, North Central Nigeria, in which scores of civilians were killed.
Pointblanknews.com had earlier reported that the state recently witnessed horrific attacks by armed gunmen. Between June 13–16, about 200 persons were killed, and many homes and markets were destroyed, with thousands of families displaced. In response, security forces launched cross‑border manhunts following an order by President Bola Tinubu.
Condemning the attack, Guterres said that those responsible for the violence should be apprehended.
Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Farhan Haq in a statement said, “We’re monitoring the situation.
“The Secretary-General condemns the killing of innocent civilians, including in Nigeria, and we hope that those responsible for this violence will be found and apprehended.”
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has condemned the attack and called on all leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding.
The president, who cancelled an earlier visit to Kaduna, will now travel to Benue state on Wednesday as part of efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.
During his visit, he is expected to meet with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political and religious leaders, community leaders, and youth groups, to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.
The president extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who have suffered losses as a result of the crisis.