Secretary of State Antony Blinken demands accountability for the murder of four United States embassy personnel in Nigeria.
On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, thugs attacked the convoy of embassy officials from the United States. At least four members of the convoy were murdered and their corpses set ablaze by the gunmen.
In a statement released on May 17, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that embassy officials were traveling in advance of a planned visit by U.S. Mission personnel to an Anambra flood response initiative funded by the United States.
He stated that the US government does not yet know the motive of the anonymous attackers and that the US mission is collaborating with the Nigerian police to determine the location and condition of the unaccounted-for members of the convoy.
Blinken condemned the assault and stated that the US government is collaborating with Nigerian security agencies to bring the criminals to justice.
"We condemn this attack in the utmost terms. We will collaborate closely with our Nigerian law enforcement counterparts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
"Nothing is more important to the United States than the safety and security of our personnel." We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who perished in the attack and pledge to do everything in our power to locate and recover the missing. We hold our relationship with our Locally Employed Staff and our partnership with Nigeria in the highest regard", he said.
He concluded by reiterating the United States' commitment to assisting the Nigerian people in their fight against violence and insecurity.