EU decries attack on humanitarian workers in Nigeria

The European Union on Friday decried the killing of humanitarian workers by suspected Boko Haram fighters in Nigeria's northeastern town of Rann late Thursday, saying "the saving of lives should not cost lives."

In a statement, the EU said humanitarian workers should not be a target and described the incident as a senseless violence and great violation of all humanitarian principles.

"Right now, our thoughts are with families, friends and organizations of all those affected and the most vulnerable people aid workers strive to help in Nigeria," said the statement issued by its Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, in Nigeria's capital Abuja.

Earlier on Friday, the United Nations confirmed the killing of the three aid workers and said a fourth aid worker was feared killed and another likely abducted during the attack. A local nurse was also injured.

All the aid workers affected by the attack were Nigerian nationals, according to Samantha Newport, a UN spokeswoman in Nigeria.