Norway condemns school attack in Nigeria

“I am deeply shocked by the terrorist attack on schoolchildren and other innocent people in Yobe in north-eastern Nigeria. Norway condemns both this latest atrocity and the recent violence against people in the neighbouring state of Borno in the strongest possible terms. I am concerned about the lack of security for civilians in these parts of Nigeria, and would like to express my deepest sympathy with the parents and families of the victims,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. 

 Yesterday morning, more than 50 pupils at a boarding school in Yobe in north-eastern Nigeria were killed when it was attacked and set on fire by gunmen from the Islamist group Boko Haram. The attack took place only a few days after more than 300 defenceless people – young and old, women and children – were massacred in attacks against villages in the neighbouring state of Borno. Boko Haram militants have been causing havoc in the northern parts of Nigeria since 2009. Thousands of innocent people have been killed in brutal attacks on schools, mosques, churches and public institutions. 

“Those who are responsible for these and other atrocities in Nigeria must be found and brought to justice. Norway supports the Nigerian people’s fight against terrorism and violence, which is based on the principles of the rule of law and respect for human rights,” said Mr Brende.