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

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday condemned a series of suicide bomb attacks in the Nigerian capital of Abuja on Friday and in the northeastern Nigerian state of Borno on Thursday, reiterating the United Nations' support for the Nigerian government in its fight against terrorism.

The secretary-general condemned the Oct. 2 bomb attacks in the outskirts of Abuja, as well as the multiple suicide bombings on Oct. 1 in the city of Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, all by suspected Boko Haram elements, said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.

"The continuing violence by Boko Haram is an affront to international law, to humanity and to religious faith," the statement said.

A total of 18 people were killed and 41 others injured by the three explosions in Abuja.

The bombing attacks took place one day after 14 people were killed and 39 others injured in devastating multiple blasts which rocked parts of Nigeria's Maiduguri city.

The secretary-general extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the government of Nigeria, and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured, said the statement.

Ban "reiterates the United Nations' support to the Nigerian government in its fight against terrorism," it said.

"The secretary-general also recalls the vital importance and obligation to respect international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law in countering terrorism," the statement said.

Boko Haram, a local insurgent group seeking an end to Western education, is blamed for the attacks. The group, which started its operations in 2009, often claims responsibility for such attacks in the West African country.

In 2014, Boko Haram claimed responsibility for series of bombing which took place in Nyanya. Scores of people were killed in the devastating attacks.

The group has allegedly killed more than 13,000 people and abducted hundreds in its six-year insurgency. Endi