The Government of the United States of America has described as senseless Monday’s violence in Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria. At least 30 people were killed by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in the early hours of that day, during an attack on Shonong village in Bachit district of Riyom Local Government Area of the state.

Commenting on the tragic development, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria said in a statement issued today lamented that “women and children were killed in (the) senseless violence.”

“We are concerned by the cyclical nature of reprisal killings that undermines inter-communal relations in the Middle Belt region,” said the statement made available to News Express by e-mail. “Nigeria’s diversity and the harmony among its people remain a source of great strength for its democracy. We urge the citizens of Plateau State to work toward a peaceful resolution of conflicts and grievances. We also urge the Government of Nigeria to investigate this attack, hold the responsible parties accountable, and work to provide increased security for civilians to prevent future acts like this from taking place.”

•Photo shows US President Barack Obama.