Recall that suspected Boko Haram terrorist had on Thursday ambushed a UNICEF humanitarian convoy, while returning from Bama in Borno state.
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Unknown attackers struck yesterday as the convoy returned to Borno’s capital Maiduguri after delivering aid in Bama, injuring a United Nations children’s agency (UNICEF) employee and an International Organization for Migration contractor, according to UNICEF.
The United Nations’s resumption of humanitarian assistance the statement clarified, was subject to a review of the security situation in the area.
By 2014, Boko Haram controlled territory almost the size of Belgium in northeast Nigeria until most of it was recaptured past year by the Nigerian army and troops from neighbouring countries.
UNICEF has been working to provide food for malnourished children, as well as tackle other health concerns for both children and adults in the northeast of Nigeria who have been affected by the violent activities of the Boko Haram insurgents. The UN says 3 million people in the northeast are in urgent need of food aid, but that some roads within Nigeria are unsafe for convoys due to mines.
An worldwide charity group, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), had, last month, said that the condition of the Internally Displaced Persons in Bama camp, where 24, 0000 are living, is a catastrophic humanitarian emergency. “We absolutely have to reach more of these communities”, Gough stated.
Moreover, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s claim in December 2015 to have “technically defeated” Boko Haram was shattered when the group continued to operate and pose a threat. In the wake of heavy military onslaught since past year, they have resorted to hitting soft targets and also ambushing troops. “What is extremely shocking is the level of severe acute malnutrition”.
UNICEF was also providing medical care, immunization, education and psychological support to the children of Nigeria, especially in Borno state.
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“We’re gradually discovering the extent of this crisis and we are particularly concerned for the inhabitants of the remote areas that we have not been able to access”, Robert says.
