UN begs Boko Haram to embrace peace

By The Citizen

United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki Moon, on Friday urged leaders of the Boko Haram insurgence to embrace peace, especially now that Nigeria is set to hold its elections next month.

Ban, who said in statement that it was imperative for the sect to end the destruction of lives and communities, also called for the immediate release of Chibok Girls and others.

According to the statement, the international community cannot continue to let human rights abuses continue in the country with impunity.

'We face another grave test as Nigeria gets ready for her elections next month.

'Boko Haram has continued its violence, killing Christians and Muslims, kidnapping even more women and children, and destroying churches and mosques.

'I, therefore, urge Boko Haram's leaders to end the destruction of so many lives and communities, and immediately and unconditionally release the kidnapped school girls and boys and all others.

'The international community cannot let human rights abuses continue with impunity,' the statement said.

It noted that activities of the insurgents had spread across the region and was now having direct impact on Cameroon and other countries.

Mayhem has spread across the region, and is now having a direct impact on Cameroon and other countries.

'As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I will continue to actively explore with member states on what more can be done,' the statement said. Agency report