The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned a deadly terrorist assault in Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria, describing it as heinous and well-coordinated, and has urged immediate collaborative efforts to prevent further civilian deaths and kidnappings.
In a statement issued Sunday night via the African Union’s official X account, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep outrage over the February 21, 2026 attack, which claimed the lives of more than 50 civilians and saw several women and children abducted.
Youssouf labeled the incident a grave violation of human rights and a serious threat to regional peace. “The African Union unequivocally rejects all acts of terrorism and violent extremism against civilian populations, particularly women and children, as grave violations of human rights and serious threats to peace, security, and stability,” the statement read.
The AU Chairperson conveyed full solidarity with Nigeria during this challenging time, extending condolences to bereaved families and wishing speedy recovery to the injured.
He reaffirmed the continental body’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s initiatives to combat insecurity and foster lasting peace in affected areas.
Youssouf demanded the “immediate, safe and unconditional freedom of all abducted women and children,” urging the perpetrators to release them unharmed.
Emphasizing proactive measures, he called for “stronger collaboration and coordinated strategies to safeguard civilians and stop similar tragedies from occurring again.”
