ABUJA, Nigeria, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- The governor in the Nigerian state of Borno said a weekend attack by Islamic group Boko Haram is a tragedy that "affects us all."
Militant group Boko Haram took credit for a weekend attack on mosques in the northern Nigerian state of Borno. A Boko Haram statement published by Nigerian newspaper ThisDay said it would "continue to kill those who strive to stand against the will of Allah by opposing Sharia [Islamic law]."
The Nigerian newspaper said at least 60 people were killed in the attack. It said Nigerian police were interviewing witnesses in an investigation into the incident.
A statement issued by the office of U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said "no objective can be attained through such violence." Boko Haram wants to establish an Islamic state in a country divided along Muslim and Christian lines.
Borno Gov. Kashim Shettima said Wednesday families affected by the violence would get financial support. Members of a local civilian task force would also get new vehicles to help with their activities.
"What happened to us is unfortunate and you should understand that whatever happened to you affects us all and we identify with you at this hour of grief," the governor was quoted by ThisDay as saying.
