Borno: NGO demands justice for deradicalised Boko Haram victims

A non-governmental organisation, Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development has demanded justice for deradicalised Boko Haram women, victims, survivors after they complained of stigmatisition from some of the Borno residents.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Saturday during a policy workshop for the implementation of charters of demands from Survivors, victims, relations & deradicalised women In Borno State, organised by Allamin Foundation for Peace, the Executive Secretary of the foundation, Dr. Hamsatu Allamin, disclosed that there is increase of stigmatisation against deradicalised women which is becoming a menace which is affecting the emotional well-being and mental health of the victims of the insurgency.

She explained that some of the deradicalised Boko Haram women, victims, and survivors are facing rejection and maltreatment from their family and friends as well as important people in their communities.

According to her, the victims, survivors, and deradicalised women often internalise the stigma they experience and begin to develop a negative self-image.

“Stigma is one of the main remaining barriers in reintegration of deradicalised women and children, it is caused by misinformation about what is really happening with those victims.

“But as a foundation we are trying to see that we help government and other stakeholders in creating awareness about our sisters who fled from forest to join the communities, we are working with security agencies like Army, police, civil defence and others to see Borno people have the needed peace.

“We are working with ministry of Women’s Affairs and Borno ministry of Justice in order to ensure transitional justice, and those people do not deserve to be stigmatize, some of them are victims.

“We have victims and survivors of insurgency, as the victims, you know Allamin Foundation has different categories of victims and survivors, we have the Njire Dole Network for mothers of victims of disappearance, victims of wives of those who disappeared, we have the network of former detainees, men, and women including minors.

She urged the media to create awareness about the negative effects of stigmatization, adding that “media plays a major role in dissemination and publicity of information”.

Speaking, the Shehu of Borno, HRH. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al-amin Elkanemi, said the traditional leaders are creating awareness but the constitution needs to recognize their in promoting reconciliation, peace, and progress in the society.

The Shehu was represented by the Senior Prince, the district head of Mafa, Alhaji Abba Kawu Ibn Umar Garba Al-amin Elkanemi who said “we will continue to support Allamin Foundation for peace in its efforts to restore peace and security through transitional justice in the state”.

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