WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) —
The U.S. government said vigilante justice in Nigeria is no way to address security concerns though attacks by Islamic group Boko Haram are deplorable.
Nigerian newspaper ThisDay reports more than a dozen members of a paramilitary force were killed in an attack last weekend in Borno state. The attack was attributed to Boko Haram, which aims to establish an Islamist state in northern Nigeria.
Marie Harf, a spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department, said Washington condemns the violence in Nigeria. She expressed frustration with extrajudicial killings of suspected Boko Haram members but said its extremism has no place in the country.
"We continue to support the aspirations of the people of Nigeria who desire stability, security, and peace," she said in a statement Monday.
Boko Haram claimed responsibility for an Aug. 10 attack on mosques in Borno. At least 60 people were killed in the attack.
Nigeria in July imposed a state of emergency in parts of the Muslim north but eased restrictions during the holy month of Ramadan.
Abubakar Shekau, leader of Boko Haram, was allegedly killed in a June shootout with government forces. ThisDay reported there is notable controversy surrounding the claims. He was last quoted by the newspaper as giving a statement mid-August.
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