The United Nations on Friday condemned the killing of more than 30 civilians in Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, disclosed this at a news conference held at the UN headquarters in New York.
Dujarric said, “On Wednesday, more than 30 civilians were reportedly ambushed and killed in the village of Mukdolo. Several people were reportedly injured, and others are still missing.
“The victims were fishermen and farmers. They included both internally displaced people and host community members from the neighbouring Dikwa Local Government Area.
“Schmale said this attack is another horrific reminder of the real threats of violence and insecurity that displaced people and others, impacted by more than 13 years of conflict in the region, and they continue to face those challenges daily.”
Briefing on Niger, Dujarric said the UN and its partners, together with the government had launched a $583 million humanitarian appeal to help 2.7 million people this year.
He said another appeal, calling for more than 400 million dollars, was also launched today to support the Government’s efforts to bolster food security for internally displaced people, host communities, refugees and flood-impacted people, among others
Over the past six years, the number of people who need humanitarian assistance in Niger has more than doubled – from 1.9 million people in 2017 to 4.3 million this year.
“Conflict and insecurity have increased chronic vulnerability, compounded by extreme weather conditions and poverty,’’ the UN spokesperson said.
According to him, Niger is one of the countries in the Sahel most impacted by the effects of climate change and desertification.
He said every year, about 100,000 hectares of arable land were lost due to climate change and desertification.
“Two million people are currently food insecure. This figure is likely to increase to 2.9 million during the lean season between June and August.
“2022 humanitarian response plan called for 553 million dollars, was 70 per cent funded,’’ the UN spokesperson said.
NAN
The United Nations (UN) strongly condemns the recent killing of civilians by terrorist groups in the Nigerian State of Borno.
On June 26th, the United Nations’ Envoy for West Africa and the Sahel Dr. Mohammed Chambas expressed his sadness and anger over the security situation in Borno State and the violation of human rights.
The recent attack saw innocent civilians killed, and women, children and the elderly taken hostage. The UN urged the attackers to immediately release all those taken hostage and to respect the principles of international humanitarian law.
This is not the first attack that has occurred in Borno State and the surrounding regions. Boko Haram and ISIS-affiliated groups have committed atrocities against the civilian population for the last decade. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing violence and human rights violations.
The UN calls on all parties in the country to cooperate and end this senseless violence. The UN Ambassador in Nigeria, Tijani Muhammed, has voiced serious concern over the attacks and has urged the government to ensure the security and safety of its citizens.The UN has further called upon the government to ensure the swift deployment of security forces in order to protect the vulnerable civilians in other major cities that are under threat.
Dr. Chambas has expressed his support for the government and asked for global cooperation and support for its extended efforts to stop the violence. He also warned against the continued use of excessive force by the authorised forces, which in turn could exacerbate the current crisis. The UN will continue to monitor the situation in Borno State and will provide support to the government in its attempts to restore peace and security in the region.
In conclusion, the UN is stressing the importance of protecting human life and basic freedoms of its citizens in Borno and neighbouring state. The organization urges all responsible parties to adhere to international human rights standards and to show respect for the laws of war.
