Statement By Foreign Press Secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura On The Terrorist Acts By Boko Haram

TOKYO, Japan, March 30, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- 1. The Government of Japan is deeply concerned about reports of the Islamic extremist group “Boko Haram” having abducted several hundred women and children and killed some of them in Damasak in northeast Nigeria, and calls for an immediate release of all those taken hostage.

2. Boko Haram has repeatedly perpetrated terrorist acts mainly in this region, killing many innocent civilians. The Government of Japan firmly condemns all forms of terrorism.

3. A presidential election is scheduled to take place in Nigeria on March 28. The Government of Japan hopes that the election will be held in a peaceful manner and that the Government of Nigeria will continue to make efforts to stabilize the security situation.