Dozens have been abducted in a recent attack carried out by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
The attack occurred on Monday when insurgents targeted three Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Ngala town, situated at the headquarters of Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area near the Cameroon border, where terrorist activities are prevalent.
A security official said that the victims were gathering firewood from the bush when the insurgents abducted them from Babban Sansani camp, Zulum camp, and Arabic camp.
The source also indicated that the number of abducted women and girls might be higher, as the precise number of kidnapped girls has yet to be determined.
The terrorists additionally set abaze undisclosed number of shelters at GDSSS IDP camp Shuwari in Mafa LGA, along with setting fire to three houses, livestock, and properties worth millions of naira in Ajari town of Damboa LGA.
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In a statement released by Mr. Mohammed Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, he expressed sympathy for the families affected by the attacks.
”I stand in solidarity with the families of all those abducted, especially children, and their communities, and I urge those who have abducted them to release them without harm.
”On behalf of the United Nations, I remind all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians from harm.
”In addition, I urge authorities and other partners to provide more livelihood opportunities for IDPs in camps in Borno State, alongside ongoing efforts for lasting solutions, to reduce the risks of insecurity and violence faced by IDPs.
”More than two million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states have fled to garrison towns where they have few, if any, livelihood options. Those who venture beyond the protective trenches surrounding these towns to forage or farm do so at great peril, with killings, abductions, forced recruitment, and sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) rampant.
”Two days to the commemoration of International Women’s Day, this incident is a stark reminder that women and girls are among those most affected by conflict. The crisis in the BAY states is disproportionately affecting women, boys and girls. There is a high prevalence of GBV against women and adolescent girls, while boys are targeted for recruitment by NSAGs.”
