Nigeria / Attacks against the press

By France - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PARIS, France, April 30, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- France utterly condemns the most recent attacks in Abuja and Kaduna in Nigeria yesterday morning, which left at least 9 people dead according to the latest reports.

The upsurge in terrorist attacks in Nigeria is a troubling development. In this context, France expresses its solidarity with the Nigerian people and government.

By targeting several media outlets, these attacks seek to undermine press freedom and the freedom of expression, which are the cornerstones of democracy in Nigeria.

France reaffirms its solidarity with Nigeria’s journalists and media whose courage it commends.

France extends its wholehearted condolences to the bereaved, as well as to the editorial staff of the various media outlets affected, in particular the “ThisDay” daily newspaper.

It reaffirms its support for the Nigerian people and government in its fight against all forms of terrorism.