The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon
has condemned non-state armed groups’ massacre in Faduma Kolomdi
community of Borno state.
The herding community; was attacked on Tuesday by Boko Haram
insurgency and located; 120 kilometres north of Maiduguri, the state
capital.
In a statement Thursday in Maiduguri, Kallon said: “I am outraged and
incensed by incoming reports of violent incidents against civilians
carried out by non-state armed groups in Borno state.
“Eighty one civilians were ruthlessly killed and many others wounded
in an attack that lasted for over six hours on Tuesday and Wednesday
morning.”
While lamenting incessant attacks, Kallon said: “On the afternoon of
June 9, 2020, armed actors aboard motorcycles mounted a brutal attack
on Felo community in Gubio Local Government Area, 80 kilometres away
from the state capital Maiduguri.
“I am also receiving worrying reports that civilians were shot while
trying to escape and that assailants set ablaze homes with civilians
still inside as well as stole more than 1,000 heads of cattle.”
He therefore; extends his sincere condolences to the families of the
innocent people who lost their lives in this abhorrent act.
He further disclosed that the victims of massacres include mothers,
fathers, daughters and sons who should never have been a target.
In condoles of Boko Haram victims, he said: “My thoughts are with the
countless members of this community whose homes and livestock were
burned or stolen,” wishing the injured ones a speedy recovery
He said the attack, was the deadliest recorded in the north-central
Borno state, since July 2019.
According to him, it sent shockwaves across the humanitarian community
working to provided life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable in
Borno.
“I am also troubled by the widespread practice by non-state armed
groups of setting up illegal checkpoints along main supply routes,” he
noted, adding that it heighten risks for civilians to be abducted,
killed or injured.
While aid workers; are directly impacted and the humanitarian
community is disturbed by the news of possible abductions.
He said that this include a camp manager from the Borno State
Emergency Management Agency working in the northern Borno State town
of Monguno, where tens of thousands of civilians are desperately in
need of humanitarian assistance.
Kallon also call for the immediate and safe release of all aid workers
and civilians who remain in captivity.
“I firmly urge all actors on the ground to protect civilians and aid
workers, and ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the
most vulnerable women, children and men, who desperately need relief,”
he said.
