The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon; has vowed to provide humanitarian assistance to 10.6 million people in need, despite killing of four aid workers in Borno. The armed group; before the slayings of aid workers; demanded $500,000 (N190 million) as ransom, while in captivity for over a month. In a statement yesterday in Maiduguri, Kallon disclosed: “I am utterly shocked and horrified by gruesome killing of some of our colleagues and partners by non-state armed groups in Borno State. My most heartfelt condolences go to their loved ones, families, friends and co-workers.” He said the slain aid workers; were committed humanitarians; who devoted their lives help vulnerable people in insurgency affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. On armed group’s abduction of workers, he said: “Our colleagues and partners were abducted while travelling on a main route connecting the northern town of Monguno with Maiduguri, the state capital. “Their safety and securing their safe release have been our highest priority since they were captured last month.” While lamenting incessant attacks; he said: “I strongly condemn all violence targeting aid workers and the civilians they are assisting. “I am also troubled by the number of illegal vehicular checkpoints set up by non-state armed groups along main supply routes to Monguno, Gambouru, Dikwa, Pulka and Gwoza.” According to him, checkpoints disrupt delivery of life-saving assistance and heighten risks for civilians being abducted, killed or injured. Continued; “We have repeatedly called for such devastating fate and blatant violation of international humanitarian law to never happen again.” He therefore; warned that all armed parties to step up to their responsibilities and stop targeting aid workers and civilians. He said aid workers and the assistance they provide to vulnerable population; make a marked difference between life and death. On life-saving assistance, Kallon disclosed: “About eight million people are in dire need of life-saving assistance in insurgency affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. “Today (Thursday), 10.6 million people need urgent support as conflict affected states fight coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that claimed over two dozen lives. “It is unacceptable that those who are trying to help are being attacked and killed. He vowed that the slain of aid workers; will not deter the international community from providing aid to millions of people that desperately need assistance. According to him, the humanitarian community is in solidarity with the people of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. “They have suffered over decade long insurgency; and now needed protection against COVID-19, who desperately require assistance in the Northeast,” he said, noting that humanitarian community is in solidarity with people of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. The people, according to him, have suffered over decade long conflict; and now need protection against the deadly virus, being contracted by 620 people.
