THE United Nations (UN) has condemned the recent spate of violence in some parts of the country.

Earlier this week, several innocent women and children were killed in Zangon Kataf Local Government of Kaduna State and Kwande Council of Benue State.

National Information Officer, UN Information Centre (UNIC), Oluseyi Soremekun, in a statement yesterday, said: “What is alarming is the barbaric and senseless killings of young children, including a young boy, who was abducted and murdered in the most brutal manner in the local government. This spate of violence comes soon after another series of violent incidents where numerous people, including children, were killed in Kwande Local Government.

“The UN strongly condemns these attacks, which have resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, including children, some of whom were toddlers, women and men. We are also concerned that people continued to be killed and injured in subsequent attacks.”

The statement urged groups involved in conflicts to cease hostilities and refrain from attacking innocent civilians, especially women and children, who have nothing to do with the conflict.

“We also call for a lasting solution to be found that will provide a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict,” it said.

The statement quoted the UN Resident Coordinator for Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, as warning that “these atrocities must not continue unchecked.”

“The UN stands with the government and people of Nigeria in their efforts to end this senseless violence, bring to justice perpetrators and ensure that all citizens are protected and able to live in peace and security.

“We call on all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution to this violence and to respect the sanctity of human life. The UN remains committed to supporting the government and people of Nigeria in their quest for a peaceful and prosperous nation,” the statement said.