By Vincent Ikuomola Abuja and Precious Igbonwelundu

The United Nations (UN) and the United States have condemned the killing of rice farmers in Borno State.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a statement on Monday, condemned “in the strongest terms” the terrorists.

Describing the attack as “horrific”, the UN Chief said he hoped those responsible for “these heinous crimes” would be quickly brought to justice.

The statement said: “The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and to the people of Nigeria.

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“He wishes a swift recovery to the injured and calls for the immediate and safe return of the abductees and those still reported missing.

“The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the UN to support the Government of Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism and in its response to pressing humanitarian needs in the northeast of the country.”

The U.S embassy in Abuja, in a statement, said: “The United States condemns in the strongest terms the November 28 violent attack in Borno, Nigeria.  The United States offers our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed or kidnapped.”