EU & US Statement on latest bombings in Nigeria

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The following statement was released by the Heads of Mission of the European Union and of the United States of America in Nigeria on the bombings in Maiduguri:

“The Heads of Mission of the European Union and the United States of America in Nigeria express deep concern over the bombings and attacks in Borno State. The latest of these on Sunday 26 June, reportedly resulted in at least 25 deaths. We condemn such acts, which are an affront to the rule of law and democratic principles. There is no place in society for these horrific acts of violence and there should be no impunity for the perpetrators. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those killed.”

This statement follows the news report earlier this week about the bomb attack in the north-eastern Nigerian town of Maiduguri.

According to the BBC, security sources say they believe the attack, which occurred in a beer garden, was carried out by the Islamist sect Boko Haram.

The group wants to establish an Islamic government in Nigeria. It has carried out a number of bombings in north-eastern Nigeria, as well as an attack on police headquarters in the capital Abuja earlier this month.

Gunmen on two motorcycles attacked a packed beer garden late on Sunday, officials said.

"The attackers believed to be Boko Haram members threw bombs and fired indiscriminate gun shots on a packed tavern at Dala Kabompi neighbourhood, killing at least 25 people and seriously injuring around 30 others," an unnamed police officer told the AFP news agency.

The BBC's Bilkisu Babangida in Maiduguri says there is a mood of fear in the city, with many people staying indoors as they are afraid of being caught up in an attack.

The group has killed dozens of people, mainly security officers and politicians, in Borno state over the past year.

Earlier this month, the group said it was behind the bombing of the national police headquarters in the capital, Abuja.

It has also said it carried out attacks on the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan in May.