By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Norwegian Refuge Council has amented Boko Haram’s attack in international aid facilities in Damask, Boro State.
In a press statement by by Eric Batonon, Norwegian Refugee Council Country Director in Nigeria on Sunday, the Council said “armed groups launched an attack on Damasak town, northeast Nigeria. During the attack compounds belonging to multiple relief agencies and warehouses containing humanitarian stock were looted and set on fire. 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.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon has condemned attack on three facilities of international aid organisations in Borno by Boko Haram.
Kallon in a statement on Sunday said he was deeply concerned about destruction of the aid facilities at Damasak town in the northern part of Borno late Saturday.
“I am deeply concerned about recurrent reports of violent attacks by non-state armed groups putting the lives of civilians under 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. He maintained attacks on such facilities would deepen the humanitarian challenge in the troubled atea
He said humanitarian operations at Damasak will be reduced due to the violent attack. He said 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.
He called on armed parties (Boko Haram and military) to observe international humanitarian law and human rights law concerning aid facilities and workers to ensure the protection of civilians, humanitarian property, and personnel.