United Nations Secretary-General Guterres issued a statement through a spokesman strongly condemning the attack on two villages in western Niger by unidentified gunmen on the 2nd.
It is reported that about 100 people were killed in the attack, and hundreds of survivors fled the area of the incident on foot.
The statement stated that “Secretary-General Guterres is confident that the authorities of Niger will spare no effort to identify the perpetrators of this heinous act and bring them to justice promptly, while strengthening the protection of civilians.” Guterres also reaffirmed the solidarity and support of the United Nations with the Government and people of Niger in combating terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime.
Volkan Bozkel, President of the 75th session of the General Assembly, also strongly condemned the attack.
UNHCR also condemned the attack in the strongest terms. Alexandra Moreli, UNHCR’s representative in Niger, said: “We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this brutal attack in our community.
Communities are torn apart by atrocities, people are forced to flee, and the Varam region hosts thousands of people displaced by violence who want to rebuild their lives.”
UNHCR said that local sources said that survivors of the attack and residents of four other neighboring villages had fled.
At least 1,000 people are now trying to reach Varam, many of whom are migrating on foot.
In Varam, UNHCR and its partners are already providing humanitarian assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons and host families in need.
