Wilson Adekumola
United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres and other senior officials have criticized the suicide bombing at a mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Monday, which left no few than 59 people dead and 150 injured.
It was said a militant group had claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, which occurred at the crowded mosque.
Reports revealed that the bombing caused the roof to collapse on top of the worshipers inside.
Guterres said, in a statement issued by his spokeperson, Stephanie Dujarri, “It’s particularly abhorrent that the attack occurred at a place of worship.”
He added,“Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right.”
Guterres also convey his condolences to the victims’ families, wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
He reasaueed them of the solidarity of the United Nations with the Government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to deal with terrorism and violent extremism in their country.
Condemning the deadly attack, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilisation, disclosed that all forms of violence and acts of terror against civilians and religious sites on account of their belief or religion are intolerable and unjustifiable and should be unequivocally condemned.
Moratinos said, “Houses of worship are sacred places where worshippers should be able to practice and declare their faith safely and freely.”