ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Wednesday condemned a deadly terrorist attack in Nigeria's central Kwara State.
Unidentified gunmen attacked two villages in the Kwara State late Tuesday and returned early Wednesday. The death toll surged to over 100 by Wednesday afternoon after the gunmen launched a second attack, according to local sources.
The AU said in a statement that AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has learned with deep shock and profound sorrow of the terrorist attack during which "at least 162 innocent civilians tragically lost their lives."
Youssouf described the deadly attack as a "heinous and barbaric act, which constitutes a grave violation of human rights and an unacceptable assault on peace and security."
He expressed the AU's full solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria during this difficult time, stressing the AU's steadfast commitment to continuing supporting Nigeria in its efforts to consolidate peace, security, and stability throughout the country.
The AUC chief reaffirmed the 55-member continental body's "unwavering policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations." ■