US government condemns killings by Nigerian extremist group

Last updated on: August 29, 2013 at 8:04 am by CNA Daily News

US government condemns killings by Nigerian extremist group 2013-08-29T08:04:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Washington D.C., Aug 29, 2013 / 02:04 am (CNA/EWTN News).- A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said the United States “strongly condemns” recent killings in Nigeria and an Aug. 10 attack on a mosque reportedly perpetrated by Boko Haram-affiliated extremists.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those killed and concern for those wounded. The United States stands with the people of Nigeria to reject the indiscriminate attacks on worshippers of all faiths,” the spokesperson said Aug. 26.

The U.S. also condemned the extrajudicial executions of suspected Boko Haram members.

For the past decade, the militant Islamist group Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is sinful,” has sought to impose Shariah law throughout Nigeria.

Suspected Boko Haram militants killed 44 people in a grisly attack on a northeast Nigerian village last week, adding to the conflict in the region.

“They set houses ablaze, shot people and even slit some people’s throats,” an emergency worker told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

The attack came in the village of Dumba in the northeastern state of Borno before sunrise on Aug. 20. The attackers may have slit their victims’ throats because gunfire would attract the attention of security forces, the Associated Press reports.

The attackers also reportedly gouged out the eyes of some survivors.

Several religious liberty groups have called on the U.S. government to officially recognize Boko Haram as a terrorist organization for its ongoing violent attacks against Christians.

Official designation of Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist group would allow the U.S. government to freeze or seize its bank accounts, to deport its members and associates, and to sanction the group’s funders.

More than 2,000 deaths have been attributed to the group since 2009.

Previous Post

August 29, 2013

Critics say Joseph Bottum's marriage essay could confuse Catholics

Next Post

August 29, 2013 Charity 5K takes on new meaning as family preps for adoption

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What happened when Peter tried to walk on water?

Select your answer to see how you score.

He ran ahead of Jesus The Spirit descended upon him He led other disciples out He sank when he doubted