Canada, France, Rights Group Condemn Attack On Yobe School

Secondary school Attacked in Yobe state, Nigeria

Canadian and France have condemned the attack on a school that killed more than 40 students in Mamudo, Potiskum in Yobe state over the weekend.

The Canadian High Commissioner in Nigeria, Chris Cooter, described the attack as barbaric.

In a condolence message from the High Commissioner it stated that, "To attack children at school is barbaric and demonstrates that the attackers have no moral reference points but are simply vicious thugs driven by a thirst for violence. Canada condemns this senseless act unequivocally.

"On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims of the attacks, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured."

He therefore urged all Nigerians to work with authorities to bring the attackers to justice, promising that "Canada stands with the people of Nigeria, and we support Nigeria in its efforts to combat terrorism."

In its statement from the ministry of foreign affairs in condemning the attack, France expressed shocked to learn of the terrorist operation targeted against the high school.

"In these tragic circumstances, France reaffirms its commitment to the fight against terrorism and its solidarity with the Nigerian government and people in the face of this terrible ordeal," the statement affirmed.

Also, the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa has condemned last Saturday's killings of students and a teacher in an attack on a secondary school in Yobe state.

In a statement issued by the network, it's Chairman, Prof Bem Angwe, described the killings as one of the most reprehensible acts against humanity in recent times.

He called for immediate steps to be taken to forestall further violations of people's rights and for the perpetrators to be brought to book.

The Network also condemned last Wednesday's military coup in Egypt which removed President Mohammed Morsi from office