Tánaiste condemns recent violent attacks in Nigeria

DUBLIN, Ireland, May 8, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore T.D., has expressed serious concern about the abduction of schoolgirls in Nigeria.

The Tánaiste reiterated his strong support for Ban Ki-Moon, the United Nations Secretary General, and Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union, in their demands that those responsible be brought to justice.

Ireland supports the EU in its work to assist the Nigerian authorities to maintain law and order and to strengthen their capacity to ensure security and combat terrorism.

The Irish Embassy in Abuja, in cooperation with EU and other key partners in Nigeria, is maintaining contact with the Nigerian authorities in their efforts to locate and free the missing schoolgirls.

Speaking today, the Tánaiste said:

“The Government condemns unreservedly violent activities against all Nigerians, and particularly against children. I reiterate my condemnation of the abduction of schoolgirls, which has been claimed by the terrorist organisation, Boko Haram.

“I urge the Nigerian authorities to take all appropriate steps to protect their citizens, and to accept international assistance to locate the schoolgirls, whose plight is a matter of great concern in Ireland and worldwide.”