By Kenneth Ehigiator

LAGOS—The Canadian government has condemned last Sunday’s killing of Muslim worshippers at Dogo Dawa village in Kaduna State.

Gunmen alleged to be armed robbers had invaded the village in a reprisal attack, killing no fewer than 24 persons who were on their way home from the mosque where they had conducted their morning prayers.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued yesterday, Canada’s Foreign Minister, Mr. John Baird, said his country would do everything with its powers to assist Nigeria overcome its insecurity problem

Baird, who less than two weeks ago was on an official visit to Nigeria, said:   “I’m troubled and shocked by reports of today’s deadly attacks on Muslim worshippers in the Nigerian village of Dogo Dawa. Canada strongly condemns these heinous acts.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nigeria at this time. As I told Minister Olugbenga Ashiru during my visit earlier this week, Canada is committed to working with the government in Abuja to address security challenges in Nigeria.”

Baird’s recent visit to Nigeria culminated in the inaugural meeting of Nigeria-Canada Bi-National Commission on October 8, 2012, in Abuja.

The commission sought to, amongst others, enhance the operational capabilities of Nigeria’s security services to enable them respond adequately to internal and regional security challenges.