United Nations condems Nigeria killings

An attack by a radical Muslim sect which killed at least 69 people in north-east Nigeria has been condemned by the United Nations.

The Security Council called the attacks “criminal and unjustifiable” and has asked members to help Nigerian authorities bring those responsible to justice.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for “an end to all violence in the area,” while offering sympathy for the victims.

A radical Muslim sect known locally as Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attacks on Friday, which included suicide bombings and shootings in the cities of Damaturu and Maiduguri.

Nearly all the deaths occurred in and around Damaturu, the capital of Yobe state.