The United Nation (UN) Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon, has reacted to and condemned the killing of five aid workers by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno.
In a statement released in Maiduguri, Kallon said he was shocked and disappointed at the killing of his colleagues.
According to him, the dead were humanitarians who were serving the sick and impoverished in volatile area in the state.
“Our colleagues and partners were abducted while travelling on a main route connecting the northern town of Monguno with Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
“Their safety and securing their safe release have been our highest priority since they were captured in June.
“I strongly condemn all violence targeting aid workers and the civilians they are assisting. I am also troubled by the number of illegal vehicular checkpoints set up by non-state armed groups along main supply routes.
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“These checkpoints disrupt the delivery of life-saving assistance and heighten the risks for civilians of being abducted, killed or injured, with aid workers increasingly being singled out.
This is tragically not the first killing of kidnapped aid workers. We have repeatedly called for such devastating fate and blatant violation of international humanitarian law to never happen again.
“And yet, it does. I implore all armed parties to step up their responsibilities and stop targeting aid workers and civilians.
“At a time when humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels, it is unacceptable that those who are trying to help are being attacked and killed.”
Photo Credit: Getty
