UN: Condems Attack on Three International Aid Partners’ Facilities in Borno

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations has lamented the incessant attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east region of Nigeria, stating that three international aid partners’ facilities were directly targeted and set ablaze at the weekend by the terrorist group in Damasak, Borno State.

A statement issued yesterday by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, lamented that the attack in Damasak would affect the support given to 8,800 internally displaced people (IDPs) and 76,000 people in the host community receiving humanitarian assistance and protection.

Kallon said: “I am deeply concerned about recurrent reports of violent attacks by non-state armed groups putting the lives of civilians under risks.

“Last night and through the morning, a violent attack in Damasak town in Borno State was reported with three international aid partners’ facilities directly targeted, set ablaze, and damage. I continue to be concerned about the safety and security of civilians and humanitarian workers.

“I strongly condemn the attack, as humanitarian aid operations and facilities are the lifeline of the people affected by violence and conflict in North-east Nigeria, who are dependent on assistance to survive. Humanitarian operations in Damasak will be reduced due to the violent attack, which will affect the support to 8,800 IDPs and 76,000 people in the host community receiving humanitarian assistance and protection there.”

He warned that civilians, aid workers, their facilities and assets should never be a target.

According to him, “They must always be protected and respected. I call on armed parties to observe and commit to international humanitarian and human rights laws, as well as ensure the protection of civilians, humanitarian property and personnel.

“I also appeal to our generous donors and stakeholders for support in funding the nine humanitarian hubs, and to the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), as these are vital enablers of the humanitarian operations in North-east region.

“I also appeal to donors to urgently continue their support for the humanitarian response plan for North-east Nigeria in order to provide lifesaving and life sustaining support to some 6.4 million displaced people and host communities affected by the humanitarian crisis there.”