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Ban voices alarm at deadly sectarian clashes in northern Nigeria

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed his concern over reports of another round of sectarian violence in northern Nigeria, which has apparently led to scores of deaths.

Mr. Ban "condemns the unnecessary loss of human life and the destruction of property as a result of militant attacks," his spokesperson Farhan Haq told journalists in response to a question. "He hopes that those behind the attacks would be identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law."

Media reports say at least 100 people have been killed since Sunday as a result of the clashes, which have pitted local Muslims against police forces.

Mr. Ban offered his condolences to the people of Nigeria and to the families of those who were killed or wounded during the violence.

"The Secretary-General calls upon the Government of Nigeria, law enforcement and security agencies, as well as religious and community leaders, to work together to address the underlying causes of the frequent religious clashes in Nigeria so that a resolution could be found through dialogue, tolerance and understanding."

Deadly clashes between Muslims and Christians in the Nigerian city of Jos last November killed several hundred people and displaced thousands of others, sparking a similar statement of concern from Mr. Ban.

Topics: Security situation, Conflict situation, Freedom of religion,