By Editor
The United Nations has again painted a gloomy picture of the atrocities of the terrorist Boko Haram to Nigeria with a gory disclosure that Boko Haram insurgents have killed over 27,000 civilians since 2009 when the group launched their evil campaign of violence against the country.
Edward Kallon, the United Nations Humanitarian Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, made the disclosure at the UN building in Abuja during a remembrance of 10 years of crisis in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. Kallon said the rising insecurity in the country had pushed over 130,000 people into displacement with most of them seeking refuge at internally displaced persons’ camps.
Kallon who spoke during the inauguration of “Holding On” Virtual Reality Experience in commemoration of the 10 years of crisis in the three north-eastern states, however urged Nigeria to complement its military effort in the North-east with dialogue and a political process to address the acts of terror in the area. He stated that the crisis in North-east Nigeria presented an intricate web of issues that requires the collective collaboration of the different actors in search of a durable solution. According to him, priority must be given to prevention always, development wherever possible and humanitarian action when necessary.
He said, “The only solution to the crises in the North-east is peace and we must work together to bridge the humanitarian, development, peace, and security nexus in the search for a durable solution to the crisis. The crisis that started 10 years ago and has devastated entire communities in North-east Nigeria is still far from over.
“In this very critical period, we must redouble efforts, with the support of everyone at all levels – locally, nationally, and internationally. Rising insecurity in the recent months has pushed more than 130,000 newly displaced people on a long trudge. Against the backdrop of increased and violent attacks against civilians and humanitarian actors, more than ever we must unite and combine efforts to secure progress and achievements,’’ he said.
In a similar development, the Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Mai-Mala Buni expressed appreciation to the UN and all other development partners for their support since the crisis started in the north-east. The governor also acknowledged their pledge to continue to give their support for the enthronement of peace, security and stability in the region. He added that Boko Haram had created the worst humanitarian crisis since it came into existence.
