The United Nations (UN) plans to provide assistance to no fewer than 6.1 million people affected by the Boko Haram crisis in Northeast by the end of this year, according to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Edward Kallon.
He said at a conference in New York on ‘Strengthening the Humanitarian and Development Partnership in the Lake Chad Region’ that 10.3 million people are currently facing a crisis of global magnitude in three states in the Northeast. Of this fugure, 7.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, he added.
According to him, “Our 2018 Humanitarian Response Plan was developed to provide assistance for 6.1 million people requiring slightly above a billion dollars in 2018.
“Before October 2016, the Nigerian Government and the international community were barely reaching 395,000 people of an estimated population of eight million people that were affected by the crisis.
“With your generous support and support of the Government of Nigeria, we were able to scale up assistance in 2017 and reached over 5.6 million people.
“It’s not only reaching these numbers that was important but that we were able to avert famine; we were able to contain serious cholera outbreak and we were able to address recurrent outflows and inflows of displaced people in the country.”
The UN official expressed regret that about 1.7 million people were displaced in the area but was optimistic that there was also an opportunity and light at the end of the tunnel.
According to him, as some areas become safe, people are also returning, adding that from 2015 to date, no fewer than 1.4 million people have returned to safe areas.
Kallon, however, expressed concerns that some of the returnees were being displaced the second or third time because they needed basic services to reach their final destination, calling for donors’ support.
The UN head said: “The call, which we echoed through Oslo-1 and through the United Nations Security Council Mission, is that we need a holistic approach to this crisis.
“We cannot address this crisis with humanitarian response alone. The root causes of this crisis are developmental in Northeast Nigeria.
“We are talking about serious concerns of poverty, poverty that is multi-dimension in nature as we speak these days.
“We’re talking about climate vulnerabilities that is compounding the impacts of the crisis. Hunger and conflict are feeding on each and all that in a vicious cycle in the Lake Chad Basin.”
According to him, there is no peace without development, no development without peace and no peace and development without strong institutions.
Kallon told donors and partners that they could save lives in the short-term but must invest in building capacities so that governments could respond and take over their responsibilities.
“Nigeria is a guinea-pig in the new way of working and also the whole nexus debate. It’s not one of the easiest debates but if it has to happen, it has to happen in Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s representative talked about The Buhari Plan, which was developed at the backdrop of a recovery and peace building assessment that was done by all key stakeholders – UN, the World Bank, donors and the government,
“It is costed and requiring about $6.7 billion to actually bring peace, security in northeast Nigeria, and most of the international financial institutions have started investing.
“We are pushing the agenda hard but the durable solution to the crisis in the Northeast is peace and for peace to happen, there is need for a political process,” Kallon said.
Participants at the conference included humanitarian coordinators from Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, and donor countries including Governments of Norway, UK, Canada, the EU, the Netherlands and the U.S., the largest donor.
They underscored the importance of the Berlin conference holding from Sept. 3 to Sept. 4, and Oslo 2 Conference, to address not only the causes but the consequences of the situation in the Lake Chad region.
Tag: boko haram
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Boko Haram: UN, others target six million people for aid
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Army kills several Boko Haram terrorists, recover arms in Borno
The Nigerian Army said it had killed several Boko Haram insurgents and recovered weapons in an encounter that ensued at Zari village in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno on Friday.
Col. Onyeama Nwachukwu, Deputy Director, Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri.
Nwachukwu said the insurgents were repelled by the troops of 2 Division Task Force Battalion deployed in the area.
He said that the insurgents were on rampage, looting the community and extorting money from the people but met with a fierce resistance by the Land troops of Operation Lafiya Dole who were closely supported from the air by troops of the Air Task Force.
Read Also: Troops kill Boko Haram insurgents in Borno
He said that during the fire fight, overwhelming volume of fire was unleashed on the insurgents from both the air and ground troops, neutralising several of them and their weapons.
The Spokesman said that the village and the surrounding communities had been stabilised and normalcy restored.
He also said that the land troops had been reinforced to conduct more robust fighting patrol in the general area.
“The people of Guzamala and Mobar communities and indeed the entire good people of Borno are urged to remain calm, resilient and supportive of Operation Lafiya Dole troops as they relentlessly fight terrorism and insurgency in the North- -East,” Nwachukwu said
NAN
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Insurgency: We are combat-ready says Chief Of Air Staff
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Mashai Sadiq Babba Abubakar on Tuesday in Kano said the continuous training and re-training of operational pilots have greatly enhanced the fight against insurgency and other violent crimes in troubled areas like Zamfara, Kaduna, and the North-East regions.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of eight operational pilots who were trained on Basic Flying Course 18, at the 403 Flying Training School Kano, said the Nigerian Airforce has graduated 90 operational pilots within the last two years.
According to him, “So far, in the last three years, we have graduated 90 operational pilots. Meanwhile, 27 student pilots are currently undergoing ab initio Flying Training at 401 Flying Training School, while six have just departed for training in South Africa.
“Furthermore, about 700 Special Courses personnel have been trained for the defence of the Nigerian Airforce mission critical assets, while many personnel are undergoing engineering and other specialized Airforce-related training both at home and abroad.
“I must, however, add that although a good number of airforce personnel are currently undergoing various training in over six institutions, with strategic importance of our indigenous training institutions, all to the attainment of my vision, cannot be over-emphasized.
“This is why we have continued to support these activities that will give you the requisite knowledge, skills and exposure to better fulfill your task.
“For instance, following the addition of Combat Rolls to 403 Flying Training School, with the re-rolling of L39-ZA Aircraft with combat operations, we gave tactical training to the instructor of pilots. Also we provided the resources needed for the Unit technicians to conduct 400 hours inspection on some of the aircrafts which enabled them to be flying today.”
Read Also: I will end Boko Haram insurgency in short time – Atiku
He further stated that, “The most pleasing thing about this ceremony today is that all the pilots, except one were trained here in Nigeria. This single feat by 403 Flying Training School and the Air Training Command, has saved for Nigeria government over $5 million.”
He recalled that, “On assumption of office as the Chief of the Air Staff, I articulated my vision for the service which is to reposition the Nigeria Air force into a highly professional and disciplined Force through capacity building initiative for effective, efficient and timely employment of airpower in response to Nigeria’s national security apparatus.
“Indeed, this graduation ceremony of Basic Flying Course 18 and the resurgence of young pilots in the North are good testimonies that the vision has started manifesting. Following extensive training, platform acquisition and reactivation of grounded aircrafts, as well as resuscitation of unserviceable equipment, the Nigerian Air force can now mostly fulfill its roles across the spectrum of the airpower task.
“Nevertheless, the rebuilding process continues as we strive to consolidate by enhancing our manpower capacity and improving upon the statutory status of our aircraft fleets.
“One of the critical drivers of my vision on human capacity development which entails the provision of qualitative training for our workforce is what is manifesting in this graduation ceremony. In this regard, a lot have been achieved.
“We recently graduated 11 pilots from Westland Aviation of South Africa, 10 pilots from International Aviation College in Illorin, while 43 student pilots have completed their ab initio Flying Training at 401 Flying Training School in Kaduna.
“I must therefore appreciate the Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for his continued support to the Nigerian Airforce. Please be assured that we will continue to do our utmost best to meet with the statutory responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of our nation, whether acting singularly, or in concert with other security agencies.
“To this end, the Nigerian Airforce is committed to justifying the financial and moral support it has received from the Federal Government.”
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Leah Sharibu: Parents confirm voice
… Her voice and Picture has rekindled our hope – Parents
The Parents of Leah Sharibu, the only girl still held captive by Boko Haram insurgents amongst other school girls abducted at Government Girls Science and Technical College Dapchi have confirmed the voice from an audio message from an Online publication, The Cable as that of Leah, their daughter.
The Nation reports that Leah Sheribu’s audio message was published by The Cable online news platform with her recent picture wearing a brown hijab dress.
In the message, Leah made an appeal for her release from Boko Haram captivity.
The audio is translated thus:
I am Leah Sharibu, the girl that was abducted in GGSS Dapchi. I am calling on the government and people of goodwill to intervene to get me out of my current situation.
“I also plead to the members of the public to help my mother, my father, my younger brother and relatives. Kindly help me out of my predicament. I am begging you to treat me with compassion, I am calling on the government, particularly, the president to pity me and get me out of this serious situation. Thank you.”
Our reporter called Leah’s parents to confirm the veracity of the voice and both were in agreement that it is their daughter, Leah’s voice.
Both Mr. Nathan Sheribu and his wife Rebecca told our correspondent on phone that their hope has been re-iginited by the recent development having heard their daughters voice and seeing her recent picture.
Read Also: Government keeping mum on Leah Sharibu – Father
“I can confirm to you that the voice that spoke is that of my daughter Leah. It is her voice no doubt. I am happy that I can hear my daughter speak. This has giving me hope that she is alive. I am also happy to see her recent picture displayed.
“My request is the same with my daughter. The government should play their part now by intensifying efforts to secure her freedom” Nathan said.
For the mother, her hope never died, though it has now doubled. She will however become happier the day her daughter is free.
Like her husband, Mrs Sheribu also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to without delay swing into action to free her daughter.
She also called on her daughter’s captors to unconditionally release her daughter to her so as to save her from the trauma she is going through.
The Nation reports that Leah along with her school mates were abducted in February from their school. Her mates were however released after one month but Leah was held back by the insurgents for the reason that she refused to renounce Christianity, her faith.
In the last seven months, there have been doubts as to whether she was still alive as well as whether she was still holding on to her Christian faith.
More than a month ago, the Excutive Director of Complete Care Foundation, Barr. Aisha Wakil popular known as Mama Boko Haram told reporters in Maiduguri that Leah was still alive hold on to her Christian faith.
“I am really worried about Leah Sharibu and her freedom from Boko Haram is very important to me. Leah did not renounced her faith in Christianity, that I can assure you and we shall do everything with both the government and the international orgamisation to ensure she regain her freedom just like her colleagues that were reunited with her families,” Mama Boko Haram said.
Today’s development has gone to vindicate her statement of the proof of life of the innocent girl still held by the insurgents in the last seven months.
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Troops neutralise three terrorists in Borno
The Nigerian Army said on Friday that three Boko Haram terrorists have been killed in Borno by troops of operation Lafiya Dole.
The spokesman for the Army, Brig Gen Texas Chukwu said in a statement that some weapons were also recovered from the terrorists.
The statement reads : “Troops of 151 Battalion deployed in Operation LAFIYA DOLE, has successfully neutralized three members of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in the early hours of Wednesday, during an ambush along Banki Junction- Mayanti village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
“Items recovered include
Three AK 47 rifle.
3 Magazines.
32 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
One motorcycle.
Two Android phones.
“Efforts are on by the troops to get the other fleeing members of the Boko Haram terrorists.”
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Air Force bombs Boko Haram facility in Borno
Kill scores of insurgents
The Nigerian Air Force said on Tuesday that it has again bombed a training facility of the Boko Haram terrorists located in parts of Borno State.
It added that several members of the insurgent group were killed during the air interdiction.
A statement from the spokesperson of the Air Force, Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the operations were carried out after its intelligence platform had established the presence of the terrorists in the area.
The statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has recorded further gains in the ongoing air interdiction operations designed to wipe out remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) within the fringes of Lake Chad.
“This occurred as the ATF on Monday, 20 August 2018, conducted air strikes on BHT camps at Zanari and Tunbun Rego in Borno State.
Read Also: Borno denies Boko Haram attack on Alau Dam
“The air strikes at Zanari were planned and executed based on intelligence reports indicating that the BHTs had established a training camp in the village and were converging in an area prior to departing for an attack on own troops locations around the Lake Chad area.
“Accordingly, the ATF scrambled 2 NAF Alpha Jet aircraft for a pre-emptive strike on 2 specified locations within Zanari, where the BHTs were assembled.
“The fighter aircraft acquired and attacked both locations, neutralizing several BHTs, with only few survivors seen fleeing the area. These were later mopped up by follow-on rocket strikes.
“Similarly, another identified BHT rendezvous point and staging area on the outskirts of Tunbun Rego was also attacked and destroyed by the Alpha Jets.
“The NAF will continue to deploy its platforms to conduct intensive Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in the entire Northeast aimed at discovering the possible locations of remnants of BHTs and neutralizing them. “
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Army hands over 23 minors rescued from Boko Haram to UNICEF
The Nigerian Army yesterday handed over 23 minors rescued from Boko Haram to United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) for rehabilitation.
Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. -Gen AbbahDikko, disclosed this at the command headquarters in Maiduguri.
He said the exercise was in conformity with international best practise.
Dikko said: “In compliance with global best practise, we handed over these children associated with armed group to UNICEF,” Dikko said.
He explained the gesture was in line with the commitment of the army to promote civil military relationship toward achieving lasting peace in the Northeast.
UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Geoffrey Ijumba Borno State, Geoffrey Ijumba, who received the minors, welcomed the release of the 23 boys and girls aged between 12 and 17 years from the military custody.
He said UNICEF was working with the military and Borno government through the Ministry of Women Affairs to provide medical attention, psychological and social supports to victims displaced by the Boko Haram conflicts.
He said: “For these children, the long journey towards reuniting with their families, with their communities and fulfilling their dreams starts immediately.
UNICEF’s Nigeria Acting Representative, PernilleIronside, stressed the UN would continue to work with the military and other authorities to support the reintegration of all children released by the military.
Ironside stressed the need to support these children to fulfill their hopes and aspirations, saying the organisation will not relent until there are no more children in administrative custody.
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Army hands over 23 minors rescued from Boko Haram to UNICEF
The Nigerian Army on Saturday handed over 23 minors rescued from Boko Haram to United Nations Children Fund ( UNICEF ) for rehabilitation.
Maj.-Gen. Abbah Dikko, Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, who disclosed this at the command headquarters in Maiduguri, said the exercise was in conformity with international best practise.
Dikko said, “In compliance with global best practise, we handed over these children associated with armed group to UNICEF.”
He explained that the gesture was in line with the commitment of the army to promote civil military relationship toward achieving lasting peace in the Northeast.
In his remark, Mr Geoffrey Ijumba, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Borno State, who received the minors, welcomed the release of the 23 boys and girls aged between 12 and 17 years from the military custody.
He said UNICEF was working with the military and Borno government through the Ministry of Women Affairs to provide medical attention, psychological and social supports to victims displaced by the Boko Haram conflicts.
He said, “For these children, the long journey towards reuniting with their families, with their communities and fulfilling their dreams starts immediately.
Pernille Ironside, UNICEF’s Nigeria Acting Representative, stressed that the UN would continue to work with the military and other authorities to support the reintegration of all children released by the military.
Ironside stressed the need to support these children to fulfill their hopes and aspirations, saying the organisation will not relent until there are no more children in administrative custody.(NAN)
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Ganduje offers scholarship to ‘boko haram’ orphans
Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has offered free education from primary to tertiary level to 100 Borno children orphaned by Boko Haram terrorists.
This is the second time the state government would support children orphaned by the Boko Haram insurgency with free education.
Ganduje who revealed the offer during a reception for both the first and second batch of the adopted orphans at the weekend pledged to take care of all the children.
“Kano state government is very serious about the future of these children. That was why we thought there should be a synergy between us and Borno state government. We have already promised to educate these children from primary school up to tertiary education.
Read also: Police arrest Borno guber aspirant in Maiduguri
“You are our children and we will continue to cater for you until you become full grown individuals. We shall train you on both Islamic and Western education. Ours is to help shape your future. I am assuring you that you will not lose anything, even parental care,” Ganduje added.
He explained that the state government has secured assistance from some development partners, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, and other individuals in one way or the other.
Ganduje, also commended the guardians of the children for allowing them to come to Kano for schooling and promised to train them to become responsible citizens.
On his part, the Borno state governor, Kashim Shettima thanked Ganduje for the gesture and praised Kano for being the only state in Nigeria to help the orphans of Borno state.
“This gesture reminds us of the long standing relationship between our two states, spanning for over 100 years,” he said.
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Human Right records 1m cases of violations in 2 years
The National Human Right Commission (NHRC), on Saturday, said it recorded about one million cases of human rights violations in the country between 2017 and 2018.
Mr Anthony Ojukwu, the NHRC Executive Secretary, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen at a Judicial Actors Coalition meeting in Maiduguri.
Ojukwu attributed the numerous cases recorded to the spate of conflicts, which include the Boko Haram and herders/farmers conflicts in some parts of the country.
He said that the commission had recorded more than 100,000 cases of human rights violations and abuses in Borno, where Boko Haram had wreaked so much havoc.
He listed some of the cases to include sexual abuse, child molestation, gender base violence, torture, extra judicial killings and other numerous ranges of violence.
According to him, there are quite a number of cases, especially here in Borno state.
“There are more than 56,000 unclaimed children in the IDPs camps, who are deprived of their rights to health, education and so on.
“There are more than 25,000 women widowed by Boko Haram, many of these women had suffered degrading and inhuman treatment and other forms of violence.
“It is the firm belief of the commission that working with the Search for Common Ground in the past 5-6 years; so many conflicts have been prevented in the communities through timely monitoring, investigations and peaceful resolution,’’ he said.
However, due to the fact that these conflict were prevented and not allowed to snowball into full scale hostilities, most people, including key government personnel sometimes lose sight of the contributions to peaceful development through the effort of the commission and other partners.
The billions of Naira spent by government to contain some conflicts could have been worst without effort of organisations like NHRC and Search for Common Grounds.
“It is in the light of this and other factors that poor cooperation from some security agencies to the work of the commission and the partners is deplored.
“All of us, be it government agencies or our partners, should be seen by security agencies have a joint responsibility with the commission for protection of human rights,’’ he said.
Ojukwu said that in spite the challenges faced by the commission, it had not relented on it efforts of protecting human right in the country.
“The greatest challenge of the commission to implement its mandate has been poor budgetary provisions of 2018, but the provisions are still dare cry for what the commission requires to operate optimally.
“The commission is poorly funded when compared to the funding of the NHRIs in smaller countries like South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda.
“We urge other development partners to seize the opportunities and challenges of the moment offered by human rights challenge in the North East, North Central, South South and South Eastern parts of the country, to assist the commission.
“Such assistance can be in the nature of capacity building, infrastructure, computers, vehicle for monitoring and vehicles for investigation of violations, furniture, building for state offices,” he said.
Other demands included building shelters for women and children domestically assaulted and violated and funding projects of concern like monitoring and facilitating the mainstreaming of human rights into the resolution of herders and farmers conflicts.
Ojukwu also stressed the need for monitoring and protecting the right of refugees from Cameroun and other displaced persons in South South, North Central and North East Nigeria and digitisation of the operation of the commission.