Nigeria raises strong concern over Saudi, Houthis hostilities

By Ochiaka Ugwu

Nigerian government has expressed concern over the rising hostilities between the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia and Houthis rebels in Yemen following an attack carried out by the Houthi militia against civilian targets in the Najran Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In a statement released by Nigerian Foreign Ministry in Abuja Friday signed by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, it noted that the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria expresses serious concerns over the recent attack carried out by the Houthi militia against civilian targets in the Najran Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to the statement, “This reprehensible act, which resulted in injuries to several civilians, including women and children, constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the fundamental principles of the protection of civilians in times of conflict.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering rejection of the escalation of violence in the region. Attacks that deliberately target civilian populations and civilian infrastructure irrespective of the perpetrator are unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned by the international community.

“Nigeria calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, respect international law, and prioritise the protection of civilians.

“We urge renewed and intensified diplomatic efforts towards a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the ongoing conflict in a manner that upholds the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of all States in the region.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria remains closely seised of developments and will continue to work with regional and international partners in support of peace, security, and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East,” the statement concluded.