The United Nations has suspended its
humanitarian assistance mission in the North East epicenter of Boko Haram
terrorism following a bloody attack on humanitarian convoy by Boko Haram
insurgents, which left several officials of aid groups seriously wounded.
The suspension will be in place pending the
review of the security situation in the Northeast.
A
statement issued by the UN reacting to the attack said, “Today (Thursday)
unknown assailants attacked a humanitarian convoy that included staff from
UNICEF, UNFPA and IOM.
The convoy was traveling from Bama to
Maiduguri in Borno State, Nigeria, returning from delivering desperately needed
humanitarian assistance.
“UNICEF can confirm that a UNICEF employee
and an IOM contractor were injured in the attack and are being treated at a
local hospital. All other UNICEF, IOM and UNFPA staff are safe.
“The convoy was in a remote area of
northeastern Nigeria, where protracted conflict has caused extreme suffering
and has triggered a severe malnutrition crisis.
“This was not only an attack on humanitarian
workers. It is an attack on the people who most need the assistance and aid
that these workers were bringing.
“The United Nations has temporarily suspended
humanitarian assistance missions pending review of the security situation.”
Continuing the statement said,
“UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of
every child, in everything we do.
Together with our partners, we work in 190
countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action,
focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children,
to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
The Army headquarters while confirming the
attack on the UN bodies in a statement titled “Boko Haram Terrorists Ambush
Humanitarian Escort Convoy” said,
“Troops returning from Bama on humanitarian
escort duty, were ambushed enroute Maiduguri by suspected remnants of Boko
Haram terrorists hiding in Meleri village, a few kilometres from Kawuri.
“The gallant troops however, successfully
cleared the ambush and exploited up to Afunori.
“Unfortunately, 2 soldiers and 3 civilians were
wounded in the ambush, among who were staff of United Nations agencies and
other international humanitarian organizations.
“The wounded have been evacuated to
University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri and they are in stable
condition.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to sympathize with
our wounded colleagues, the United Nations and other Non-governmental
organizations whose personnel were also injured in this sad incident.
“We wish to reiterate our determination and
commitment to ensuring safety and security in the North East and safeguarding
the lives of all persons.
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