United States Condemns Fresh Plateau Attacks

SAN FRANCISCO, February 08, (THEWILL) - The United States of America has condemned the recent outbreak of violence in Plateau State, saying it is deeply worried and concerned at the resumption of hostilities on the Plateau.

The United States therefore called on both the state and Federal Governments to investigate the recent killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.

A statement issued weekend in Abuja by the Information Office, Public Affairs Section, Embassy of the United States of America in Nigeria said:"The United States is deeply concerned by separate violent clashes in Nigeria's Middle Belt region which claimed the lives of scores of innocent civilians on February 4-6.

"The attacks by gunmen against innocent villagers -- including women and children -- perpetuate a cycle of inter-communal violence that must be interrupted and eventually halted.

"We urge the citizens of Kaduna, Plateau and Yobe States to work toward a peaceful resolution of conflicts and grievances, and we urge the Government of Nigeria to investigate this attack, hold the responsible parties accountable, and work to provide increased security for civilians to prevent future acts like this from taking place.

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