May 18, (THEWILL) – The United States Government said it will work with the Nigerian security apparatus to apprehend assailants, who attacked its convoy in Anambra State and killed at least four persons.
THEWILL had reported on Tuesday, that some assailants attacked a convoy of the United States Embassy in Nigeria, while on a humanitarian mission in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State – an incident confirmed by the Police and the Embassy.
While condemning the incident, the US Department of State, in a statement on Wednesday, said it does not know the motive behind the attack even though there are currently no indications that it was targeted against its Mission in Nigeria.
“The convoy was carrying nine Nigerian nationals: five employees of the US Mission to Nigeria and four members of the Nigeria Police Force.
”They were travelling in advance of a planned visit by US Mission personnel to a US-funded flood response project in Anambra.
“The assailants killed at least four members of the convoy, and US Mission personnel are working urgently with Nigerian counterparts to ascertain the location and condition of the members of the convoy who are unaccounted for,” It explained.
While commiserating with the deceased, the US Government condemned the attack.
“We condemn in the strongest terms this attack. We will work closely with our Nigerian law enforcement colleagues in seeking to bring those responsible to justice.
“The United States has no greater priority than the safety and security of our personnel. 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,” it added.
