US condemns attack on US convoy in Nigeria

By Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US condemned on Wednesday a deadly attack by "unknown assailants" on a convoy of American vehicles in Nigeria.

"We do not yet know the motive for the attack, but we have no indications at this time that it was targeted against our Mission," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement about the attack on the convoy that was carrying nine Nigerian nationals, five employees of the US Mission to Nigeria and four members of the Nigeria Police Force.

The attack killed at least four members of the convoy, including two staff members of the US Consulate.

“We condemn in the strongest terms this attack. We will work closely with our Nigerian law enforcement colleagues in seeking to bring those responsible to justice," he said.

Blinken said those in the convoy were traveling in advance of a planned visit by U.S. Mission personnel to an American-funded flood response project in Anambra.

"The assailants killed at least four members of the convoy, and U.S. Mission personnel are working urgently with Nigerian counterparts to ascertain the location and condition of the members of the convoy who are unaccounted for," he said.

Gunmen ambushed the convoy in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of southeast Anambra state, according to police spokesperson Tochukwy Ikenga.

Blinken sent "heartfelt condolences" to the families of those killed in the attack and promised to do "everything possible to safely recover those who remain missing".

"We deeply value our relationship with our Locally Employed Staff and our partnership with Nigeria. The United States reaffirms its commitment to the people of Nigeria to assist in the fight against violence and insecurity," he said.