US Secretary of State says motive of attack, killing of embassy staff unknown

The United States said it is colloborating with Nigerian law enforcement to investigate the motive of the attack and killing of its embassy staff in Anambra State.

US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, in a statement said the motive for the attack is not known and there are no indications that it was targeted against the US Mission.

On Tuesday, unidentified assailants attacked a convoy of two U.S. government vehicles in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra.

The convoy was carrying nine Nigerian nationals: five employees of the U.S. Mission to Nigeria and four members of the Nigeria Police Force.

They were traveling in advance of a planned visit by U.S. Mission personnel to a U.S.-funded flood response project in the state.

Four members of the convoy were killed by unknown gunmen.

Blinken said US officials are working urgently with Nigerian counterparts to ascertain the location and condition of the members of the convoy who are unaccounted for.

He said the US condemn the attack in the strongest terms and will work closely with the Nigerian law enforcement colleagues in seeking to bring those responsible to justice.

The Secretary of State pointed out that US has no greater priority than the safety and security of its personnel.

Blinken expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, and pledge to do everything possible to safely recover those who remain missing.

He noted that the mission value their relationship with their Locally Employed Staff and partnership with Nigeria.

Blinken added the US has reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Nigeria to assist in the fight against violence and insecurity.