Buhari calls for united action after terrorists kill 70 in Niger Republic

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that “terrorism has now become like a contagion of evil that can spread anytime if united action is not taken.”

President Buhari said this in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, to react to the killing of 70 people in Zaroumdareye, a border town between Niger Republic and Mali by militants.

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The President, who condemned the incident, said it was another clarion call for united action by African leaders against terrorism.

The President said: “I am profoundly shocked by the large scale death of innocent people at the hands of these callous militants who have no regard for the sanctity of human life.”

According to the President, “We are facing grave security challenges on account of the evil campaign of indiscriminate violence by terrorists in the Sahel and only united action can help us defeat these vicious enemies of humanity.”

President Buhari said “instability in one part of Africa had implications for the security of others.”

He recalled that “the destabilisation of Libya in 2011 is producing domino effects on the security of other African countries including Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and others.”

“The looting of Libyan armouries in the aftermath of Gaddafi’s fall has put dangerous weapons into the hands of terrorists and other criminals who now pose security challenges to other countries,” the President added.

“We are united by common fate and therefore we must act in concert to defeat these evil men who target innocent people.

“Let me use this opportunity to express my deepest sympathy for the government, the people of Niger and the families of the victims,” said President Buhari.