Ban Ki-Moon Asks Boko Haram To Halt Attacks

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, has called on members of the Boko Haram sect and other extremist groups in Nigeria to cease their attacks amid escalating violence in the northern part of the country.

Mr. Ban Ki-Moon’s plea comes on the heels of President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration of a state of emergency on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

“The secretary-general has been and remains very concerned about the continued violence and deteriorating security situation in northeast Nigeria, which posses threat to national peace and security,” his spokesperson said yesterday in a note to UN correspondents in New York.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his firm conviction that no objective can ever justify such use of violence. He underscores the need for all concerned to fully respect human rights and to safeguard the lives of all Nigerians,” the spokesperson continued.

Meanwhile, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has urged the Nigerian Government to abide by human rights principles during security patrols; expressing concern about the large number of casualties, reportedly including many civilians, and massive destruction of houses and property.