The European Union has expressed shock on the killing of some of its citizens by members of Islamists sect, Ansaru recently, and said that the incidence has demanded closer collaboration between the Union and the country in the fight against terrorism.
According to a statement, yesterday, endorsed by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, and the EU said it was appalled by the action.
The EU in the three paragraph statement obtained from its website by LEADERSHIP expressed its disappointment at the killing of seven hostages in Nigeria by Islamist with a promise of greater collaboration in the fight against terrorism in the country.
Though, the statement stopped short of elaborating on what form or scope the collaboration between the two will be in future, it however praised the efforts of the Federal Government in securing the release of the victims.
“I am appalled by reports that a number of hostages, including citizens from Greece, Italy, the UK and Lebanon, have been killed by their kidnappers in Nigeria. I condemn all hostages taking, and all acts of terrorism and violence.
“The EU and its member states will continue to support the government and people of Nigeria in addressing the current cycle of violence and terrorism. We are grateful for the close cooperation of the Nigerian Government throughout this hostage crisis as well as the cooperation between the authorities of the Member States concerned.”
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