UN condemns killing of aid workers in Borno, Army Disputes Media Reports

Following the attack on UNWFP convoy carrying food supply to IDPs in Ngala local government area of Borno state, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon has condemned the attack describing it as a setback to the delivery of  humanitarian support and assistance to the IDPs  in the northeast of Nigeria.

A  statement issued Monday by the UNDP Humanitarian Coordinator, North East, Mr. Edward Kellon said the deadly ambush on a convoy carrying humanitarian food supplies for conflict affected persons on Saturday 16 December, calls for grave concern over the limitations that attacks of this nature may have on the delivery of life saving supplies to people in need in Northeast, Nigeria.


According to him, the ambush by a non state armed group took place on the road between Dikwa and Gamboru, in Borno State, and resulted in the reported loss of at least four civilians as well as the destruction of basic aid items initially destined to alleviate the suffering of thousands of women, children and men.

“Violence against convoys carrying humanitarian aid is unacceptable and can result in concerning limitations in our ability to provide life-saving relief to those who need it the most,” said Mr. Edward Kallon.

“We must ensure the safety of aid workers and aid convoys across the north-east of Nigeria, so people in need of assistance can access it in a timely manner and in sufficient quantity. Many lives are at risk,” he added.

He said the United Nations and its partners operate in the north-east of Nigeria in order to provide life-saving assistance to 6.9 million people affected by the brutal conflict.


Kallon added that humanitarian operations are carried out following the four basic humanitarian principles of operational independence, humanity, impartiality and neutrality and should be respected as such.

“Since January 2017, despite major challenges, humanitarian operations in north-east Nigeria have managed to assist over 5 million conflict-affected people in the states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, including 3 million with food security interventions, 936,000 with nutritional support, 5 million with health care assistance, and over 1.3 million with safe drinking water.” Mr. Mellon said.

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