By Mercy Peter
The Federal Government has expressed serious concern over the recent hostilities between the Houthi militia in Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, condemning an attack on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia’s Najran Region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the attack, which reportedly injured several civilians, including women and children, was unacceptable and amounted to a violation of international humanitarian law.
Nigeria said it was particularly concerned about the impact of the escalating violence on civilian populations, stressing that civilians must be protected regardless of the parties involved in a conflict.
“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,” the ministry said.
According to the statement, the attack constituted a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the fundamental principles of the protection of civilians in times of conflict.”
The Nigerian government reaffirmed its opposition to the escalation of violence in the region, maintaining that attacks deliberately directed at civilian populations and civilian infrastructure could not be justified.
It also called on the international community to unequivocally condemn attacks against civilians, irrespective of the perpetrator.
“Nigeria calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, respect international law, and prioritise the protection of civilians,” the ministry said.
The Federal Government further urged the parties to intensify diplomatic engagements aimed at achieving a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Nigeria stressed that any resolution should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region while addressing legitimate security concerns.
The ministry said renewed diplomatic efforts were necessary to prevent further escalation of hostilities and promote stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
The statement comes amid continuing tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia, with the conflict having broader regional security implications.
Nigeria said it remained closely seized of developments and would continue to work with regional and international partners to support efforts aimed at promoting peace, security and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
The Federal Government reiterated that the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law must remain central to efforts to address conflicts in the region.
