UN chief condemns massive killing in Malian village

UNITED NATIONS - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday condemned the massive killing in a Malian village, where reports said at least 134 civilians were killed.

"The secretary-general is shocked and outraged by reports that at least 134 civilians, including women and children, have been killed and at least 55 have been injured following an attack this morning in Ogossagou Peulh village, Mopti region, in central Mali," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the secretary-general, said in a statement.

"The secretary-general condemns this act and calls on the Malian authorities to swiftly investigate it and bring the perpetrators to justice," said Haq.

"The secretary-general expresses his condolences to the families of the victims, the people and the government of Mali, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured," he added.

The UN chief called on the Malian authorities to redouble their efforts to bring back peace and stability to central Mali, Haq added.

Gunmen reportedly surrounded the village before attacking people in their homes in Ogossagou in the country's Mopti region. The attack targeted members of the Fulani ethnic community.