2nd LD Writethru: UN chief slams deadly terrorist attacks in northeast Nigeria

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday condemned the terrorist attacks that killed more than 60 people in northeast Nigeria, and reiterated the UN's support for the Nigerian government's fight against terrorism.

"These heinous crimes came as the victims, along with Nigerians nationwide, were conducting Eid prayers, a sacred time for families and communities to come together," the secretary-general said in a statement issued here by his spokesman.

"As such, the attacks constitute an assault on the beliefs of all people," the statement said.

Eid al-Fitr, also called Feast of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

The secretary-general offered his condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, the statement said.

"The secretary-general reaffirms his solidarity with the people of Nigeria and reiterates the UN's support for the Nigerian government in its fight against terrorism, while upholding human rights," the statement added.

People in northeast Nigeria are reportedly blaming the terrorist group Boko Haram for recent attacks in the West African country. The group usually claims responsibility for such attacks in Nigeria.

Boko Haram has killed more than 13,000 people in violent attacks carried out since 2009 in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country.

Nigerian authorities are seeking regional and international support to end the murderous acts of the terrorist group, which intends to enshrine the Islamic Sharia law in the constitution. Endi