The United States has condemned the recent attack on a community in Kaduna State that claimed at least 30 lives, including children, and urged the Nigerian government to address recurring violence against Christians in the country’s Middle Belt.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs made its position known in a statement posted on its official X account on Saturday.
The bureau described the attack as tragic and extended condolences to the families of those killed.
“The United States condemns the attack on a village in Nigeria’s Kaduna State that reportedly killed at least 30 people, including children. We express our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the deceased.
“We will continue to urge the Government of Nigeria to address rampant violence against Christians in the Middle Belt,” the statement read.
The attack occurred on July 26 when gunmen invaded Naridon village in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing residents and setting houses and shops ablaze.
Community leaders said at least 30 people, including eight children, were killed, while several others sustained injuries.
The Secretary to the Village Head of Naridon, Mr Dogon Rana, said one family lost five children in the attack, with another child receiving treatment for critical injuries.
Another resident alleged that the attackers operated in the community for several hours before fleeing.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani condemned the killings and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
The governor also instructed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials to families affected by the attack.
Political leaders, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Usman Bawa, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also condemned the killings.
Abubakar called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture to improve the protection of lives and property. (NAN)
