Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon; is “appalled and saddened” over the execution of an aid worker yesterday in Borno state.
The UN calls on authorities to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. Kallon; in a statement Wednesday in Maiduguri said: “My most heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.
“I am appalled and deeply saddened by the news of the horrific execution of an aid worker this morning.” He said the UN calls on authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice, while all aid workers in captivity are released immediately. On the ongoing insurgency, Kallon said: “I am also extremely concerned about the increasingly dangerous and restrictive operating environment for implementing humanitarian assistance in crisis-affected areas, where humanitarian aid workers continue to face challenges as they strive to deliver urgent, life-saving assistance.”
He also renews the call for all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of aid workers and to respect international humanitarian law. The law, according to him, should be according to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality. He reiterated that humanitarian community in Nigeria is working in line with the 2019-2021 Humanitarian Response Strategy, jointly agreed with the Government of Nigeria. He said the strategy, was to provide life-saving assistance to 6.2 million of the most vulnerable people in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
