Boko Haram attacks global humanitarian facilities in Damasak

Boko Haram armed men have attacked quite a few worldwide humanitarian facilities in Damasak, Borno state, which include the one being managed by the United Nations.

Four people, which include two soldiers were murdered by Boko Haram in the Borno attack at the weekend.

Among the facilities attacked was that of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

In accordance with its country director, Eric Batonon, compounds belonging to numerous relief organisations and warehouses comprising humanitarian stock were robbed and set ablaze.

The statement of Batonon read, “This is the second attack targeting humanitarians in the past two months in northeast Nigeria, and the fourth attack on Damasak town and its surrounding area this year.

“Yesterday’s brutal attack jeopardized our work and threatened the lives of many aid workers. Thankfully, our five staff staying in Damasak town escaped unharmed.

“However, the perpetrators succeeded in setting our guesthouse ablaze and destroying lifesaving relief supplies, including vehicles used to deliver aid.

“We condemn these acts of senseless violence. They serve to terrorise humanitarians and the communities we are here to help, and they delay critical aid from reaching families in dire need.

“Humanitarian space is shrinking in northeast Nigeria, and we call on the Government of Nigeria to ensure it is protected.”

The humanitarian coordinator and head of the UN mission in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon, additionally showed profound concern about the repeated incidents of brutal attacks by non-state armed groups putting the lives of citizens in danger.

Kallon also denounced the attack on humanitarian aid operations and facilities, which are the “lifeline for people affected by violence and conflict in northeast Nigeria who are dependent on assistance to survive”.

He declared that the humanitarian activities in Damasak have been diminished because of the brutal attack.

Kallon disclosed that the support of 8,800 internally displaced people and 76,000 people in the host community receiving humanitarian help and safety there has been stopped.