The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon has condemned the attacks on three facilities of international aid organisations in Damasak town, Borno State last Saturday night by armed groups.
Kallon in a statement on Sunday said he was deeply concerned about the destruction of the aid facilities at Damasak town on Saturday.
“I am deeply concerned about recurrent reports of violent attacks by non-state armed groups putting the lives of civilians at 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,” he said.
He said humanitarian aid operations and facilities remain the lifeline for people affected by violence in the northeast
According to the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, attacks on such facilities would deepen the humanitarian challenge in the troubled area
He said humanitarian operations at Damasak will be reduced due to the violent attack adding that the reduction will affect support to 8,800 internally displaced people and 76,000 people in the host community.
“Civilians and aid workers, their facilities and assets should never be a target. They must always be protected and respected,” the UN envoy said.
Kallon, therefore, called on the armed groups to observe international humanitarian law and human rights law concerning aid facilities and workers to 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,” he stated.
PIAK/PR
