Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL10844):
Question from Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that Nigerian farm workers were killed in an attack by non-state armed groups in Koshobe, Borno State, on 28 November; what assessment they have made of the reasons for that attack; which organisation they believe to be responsible for that attack; and what discussions they have had with (1) the government of Nigeria, and (2) the International Criminal Court, about bringing those responsible to justice. (HL10844)
Tabled on: 30 November 2020
Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:
The Government condemns the appalling terrorist attack on Nigerian civilians in Borno State on 28 November in which many were killed and others wounded or abducted. Our thoughts are with the victims and the families of those affected. On 30 November, the Foreign Secretary publicly expressed his condolences, and the Minister for Africa called for the immediate release of all those abducted. The UK led international condemnation at the UN following this attack, and was penholder of a UN Security Council press statement.
We are aware that Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the attack. We call on the Nigerian authorities to investigate and hold those responsible to account. In line with international law, states retain the primary responsibility to prosecute crimes within their national jurisdiction. The International Criminal Court is a court of last resort. Terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, have caused immense suffering to communities in North East Nigeria. We continue to provide a comprehensive package of support, including humanitarian assistance to meet lifesaving needs.
Date and time of answer: 14 Dec 2020 at 15:03.
