The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, has condemned the killing of four aid workers by insurgents in Borno dtate on Friday, December 13, 2019.
The four humanitarian aid workers were staff of Action Against Hunger, one of the international humanitarian organisations working to provide relief and aid to teeming Nigerians affected by the humanitarian crisis in North East Nigeria, who were abducted on July 26 in Mobbar local government area and remained in captivity until they were eventually killed by the insurgents.
In a statement made available to Blueprint in Abuja Saturday, signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Halima Oyelade, the minister revealed that she received “with utter shock and great sadness the inhuman and tragic killing of the four innocent aid workers in the North East by armed groups.”
Farouq described the killing as a great loss to Nigeria, saying her thoughts and deepest sympathy goes to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased “who have paid the ultimate price in service to humanity.”
She reassured Nigerians and humanitarian actors in Nigeria that government is committed to the safety of aid workers and Nigerians, even as she encouraged humanitarian organisations, security operatives and the public to work together by sharing useful information that can aid the fight against terrorism and armed conflict.
She said: “The government and people of Nigeria recognise and appreciate the activities of local and international humanitarian organisations and their staff who, in spite of the risks involved, continue to work to provide food, health care and necessary relief materials to victims of conflict in the North East.
“The federal government is resolute and focussed on countering all forms of armed violence, insurgency and conflict, while ensuring the safety and protection of aid workers, Nigerians and all those living in or visiting Nigeria. I urge Nigerians and humanitarian actors to remain calm in the face of these senseless and evil acts as our collective force of good will overcome the evil perpetrated by a few bad elements.”
