The United Nations has strongly condemned the reported abduction of people who had been internally displaced (IDPs) in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to information from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), it’s believed that over 300 individuals were taken, although the exact number is not known.
The incident occurred when IDPs, including women, boys, and girls, left the safety of their camps to search for firewood outside Ngala.
Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, expressed solidarity with the families of those abducted, especially children, and called for their safe release.
“I stand in solidarity with the families of all those abducted, especially children, and their communities and urge those who have abducted them to release them without harm.”
He reminded all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law, which requires the protection of civilians.
“On behalf of the United Nations, I remind all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians from harm.”
Additionally, he urged authorities and partners to create more livelihood opportunities for IDPs in Borno State to reduce the risks they face when leaving the safety of their camps.
The situation in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, where over two million people have sought refuge, is particularly concerning.
Many of these individuals have limited options for earning a living, which forces them to venture outside the protected areas, putting themselves at risk of violence, abduction, and other dangers.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the disproportionate impact of conflict on women, boys, and girls.
Women and adolescent girls are at high risk of gender-based violence, while boys are often targeted for recruitment by non-state armed groups.
This situation underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive efforts to address the crisis in the BAY states and protect the most vulnerable populations.
