The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, has lamented the incessant attacks by Boko Haram on international aid partners’ facilities in the North east.
Kallon in a statement on Sunday disclosed that three international aid partners’ facilities were directly targeted and set ablaze on Saturday by the terrorist group in Damasak, Borno state.
He decried the fact that the attack in Damasak would affect support to 8,800 internally displaced people and 76,000 people in the host community receiving humanitarian assistance and protection.
“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 sustained damage. I continue to be concerned about the safety and security of civilians and humanitarian workers,” the humanitarian coordinator stated.
He added that: “I strongly condemn the attack, as humanitarian aid operations and facilities are the lifeline for 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 internally displaced people and 76,000 people in the host community receiving humanitarian assistance and protection there.”
He warned that civilians and aid workers, their facilities and assets should never be a target, stating: “They must always be protected and respected. I call on armed parties to observe and commit to international humanitarian law and human rights law, and 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 United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), as these are vital enablers of the humanitarian operations in North-east Nigeria.
“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.”