The United States of America has advised the Nigerian Government domiciled at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja to investigate the violence which rocked Kaduna, Plateau and Yobe states earlier this week and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.

The advice is contained in a statement issued through the American Embassy in Nigeria. The short statement sent by e-mail to News Express this morning reads as follows:

“The United States is deeply concerned by separate violent clashes in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region which claimed the lives of scores of innocent civilians on February 4-6. The attacks by gunmen against innocent villagers – including women and children – perpetuate a cycle of inter-communal violence that must be interrupted and eventually halted.

“We urge the citizens of Kaduna, Plateau and Yobe states to work toward a peaceful resolution of conflicts and grievances, and we 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.