UNHCR condemns suicide attack in Mubi, North East Nigeria

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, condemns the horrific suicide bomb attack which occurred on 1 May in Mubi, Adamawa state in the northeast of Nigeria.

According to reports, at least 27 civilians were killed in two attacks that took place on a mosque and a marketplace in Mubi, Adamawa state.

Antonio Jose Canhandula, UNHCR Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, commiserated with the families of the victims and survivors.

UNHCR remains deeply concerned about the tragic attack on Mubi and condemns the continuous indiscriminate attacks on civilians. This is the second time in the last six months that Mubi has come under attack. The act in itself is reprehensible as it undermines international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians and is a gross violation of human rights.

By explicitly targeting civilian installations, protected sacred sites such as places of worship, the perpetrators wilfully planned to kill innocent civilians. Those behind the attacks must face justice.

Noting that the preparations for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon are underway, UNHCR calls on the Tripartite Committee to carefully assess and consider security conditions to ensure sustainable returns in the affected areas. UNHCR remains available to play its part.

UNHCR calls on the Government of Nigeria, the security and law enforcement agents to protect civilians and prevent the spread of violent extremism. It is imperative that that peace and security is ensured to allow for sustainable returns of Nigerian refugees to the country. UNHCR undertakes to support Government efforts to strengthen structures for voluntary repatriation opportunities that lead to lasting solutions for refugees and Internally Displaced Persons in the northeast of Nigeria.