Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the alleged attacks on 5 February in villages in the Bokkos area of Plateau State in Nigeria; and what representations they have made to the government of Nigeria concerning who may have been responsible for these incidents.

His Majesty's Government condemns the 5 February attacks on villages in Bokkos district and all incidents of violence against civilians in Nigeria. These attacks must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, discussed the issue of increased violence in Nigeria with the country's leading presidential candidates ahead of the election this month. The UK will continue to facilitate coordination between Peace and Security Commissioners in affected states and to help address violent crime by training peace ambassadors in Plateau State. Our High Commission is in regular contact with local leaders to promote tolerance and understanding between communities.