The United States government has expressed dismay in the killing of some staff of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria by some unknown gunmen in Anambra state.
Recall that gunmen on Tuesday, 16th May, attacked a convoy of two U.S. Consulate vehicles in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra state, Nigeria.
According to Police, seven persons including U.S Embassy local staff and Police Mobile Force Officers, were killed and burnt beyond recognition, and two others abducted.
The staff were reportedly traveling in advance of a planned visit by U.S. Mission personnel to a U.S-funded flood response project in Anambra.
The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in a statement, noted that the U.S government condemned the attack and assured that the U.S government will work closely with the Nigerian law enforcement colleagues in seeking to bring those responsible to justice.
“We do not yet know the motive for the attack, but we have no indications at this time that it was targeted against our Mission.
“The assailants killed at least four members of the convoy, and U.S. Mission personnel are working urgently with Nigerian counterparts to ascertain the location and condition of the members of the convoy who are unaccounted for,” he said.
Blinken, also noted that the United States has no greater priority than the safety and security of our personnel, said, “We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, and pledge to do everything possible to safely recover those who remain missing.
“We deeply value our relationship with our Locally Employed Staff and our partnership with Nigeria.
“The United States reaffirms its commitment to the people of Nigeria to assist in the fight against violence and insecurity,” he said.
