The United States strongly condemns the killing of dozens of civilians on Tuesday in the village of Demba and the August 10 attack on worshipers at a mosque in Maiduguri perpetrated by violent extremists, reportedly affiliated with Boko Haram. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those killed and concern for those wounded. The United States stands with the people of Nigeria to reject the indiscriminate attacks on worshippers of all faiths. We also deplore the extra-judicial executions of suspected Boko Haram members by any group, including vigilante mobs.

Such violence has no place anywhere. We continue to support the aspirations of the people of Nigeria who desire stability, security, and peace. We support the government of Nigeria as it seeks to safeguard civilians and hold accountable all those responsible for violence through a process that protects civilians and respects the rule of law.