Minister advocates global commitment to support victims of terrorism

Nokai Origin, Abuja

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru has advocated concerted collective responsibility by the international community towards protecting and supporting victims of terrorism.

He made the call during the fifth Ministerial meeting of the group of friends of victims of terrorism at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA as contained in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike.

Badaru stated that Nigeria is proud to have been involved in the 2023 8th Review of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) which emphasized dignity and respect for victims of terrorism, while recognizing their role in preventing and countering terrorism.

He urged for increased protection and assistance for survivors and their communities, promoting dialogue and tolerance through inclusive, community-led initiatives to foster social cohesion.

The Minister highlighted the role of education in providing employment and income opportunities, affording young people a sense of community, developing critical thinking skills as well as building resilience against recruitment and by extension, preventing terrorism.

“We urge greater support of investment in the provision and restoration of qualitative, holistic and innovative educational opportunities for victims of terrorism.”

He re-emphasized Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to protect the rights of victims of terrorism and support their needs as well as condemned targeting of schools by terrorist groups and the abduction of school children, thereby denying them the much needed education.

While commending the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism led by Vladimir Voronkov for his pivotal role in promoting international solidarity in support of the victims, he said that the collective responsibility to the affected communities would contribute towards enhanced support for victims of terrorism.