Rann: UNICEF, Dogara condemn killing of UN aid workers

SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has condemned in strong terms, the callous attack on humanitarian workers in Rann, Borno State.

In a statement by his spokesman, Mr Turaki Hasssn, Dogara described the attack as yet another low in the inhuman, repugnant, callous and barbaric acts of the Boko Haram terrorists.

According to him, “It is saddening that people who have been sacrificing to save lives, and offer succour to our people in the North-East are now targets of blood-thirsty terrorists.

“We condemn this in the strongest terms as it is against all rules of engagement in conflict zones all over the world and appeal to all humanitarian agencies not to be deterred by this new dimension of violence by the insurgents .

“The security agencies should also provide adequate protection and coverage to humanitarian workers in the region,” he said.

Also, the United Nations Childrens Fund’s (UNICEF’s) regional director for West and Central Africa, Ms Marie-Pierre Poirier, has condemned the attack.

She said in a released that they were shocked at the insurgents’ attack on their people who were not armed and while they were indeed hanging out in Rann to ensure that humanity is bailed out of insurgency.

“UNICEF is shocked by the attack on 1 March in Rann, Borno State, in which three aid workers lost their lives, three were injured and one is reportedly missing.

“One of these brave workers who lost their lives, and the nurse who is missing, were on the frontline providing critical services supported by UNICEF.

“The two others who were killed were working for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) which is one of the agencies that support humanity around the international borders.

“We strongly condemn this attack on selfless aid professionals, who were working in the most difficult humanitarian conditions.

“Alarmingly, the number of attacks on aid workers is increasing around the world, and we must stand together to reaffirm our commitment to protecting them. Humanitarian workers should never be a target.

“UNICEF offers its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to all IOM staff members. We will continue to work with the Government to ensure safe return of those missing “ said Poirier.

Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, has called on the Federal Government to apprehend and prosecute those who carried out the attack.

Guterres also announced the evacuation of all humanitarian personnel and the temporary suspension of all humanitarian deliveries in the area.

He condemned the killing of three aid workers is Rann, following an attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday night.

The UN chief recalled that attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure violated international humanitarian law.

“Those responsible for these and other atrocities in Nigeria must be apprehended and prosecuted,” the UN scribe said.

“How would you feel if you are a parent? You will surely feel bad. It’s a sign that the government is not serious. At least with the experience of Chibok and Buni Yadi behind us, the military should have been able to get their acts right now so that these kinds of mistakes are not repeated.

“Both the government and the army need to be very proactive to avoid these kinds of tragedies in the future. What happened to the safe school programme for instance? Does it still exist?  If the safe school programme still exists, why did this happen?  Whatever way you look at it, it’s clear there was carelessness in the management of this incident by the military,” he said.

PDP slams FG, says Buhari making merry in Kano

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned last Thursday’s terrorists attack on Rann.

The party asked the United Nations (UN) and the International community to hold the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government directly accountable for their death.

In a statement by its national Publicity Secretary,  Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja, on Saturday, the party also called for a full-scale investigation by independent bodies into circumstances surrounding the alleged compromising of security in flashpoints as well as alleged release of some arrested insurgents by agents of the Federal Government, a development now generally believed to have contributed to the upscale of violent attacks in the northeast.

The leading opposition party described as sad and disheartening the incessant killings of innocent and well-meaning individuals, including security operatives, due to the incompetence and duplicity of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled Federal Government.

The party said the Federal Government must also be held responsible for issuing false security assurances, claiming it had routed out insurgents, thereby making communities and international aid workers believe a lie, whereas their lives were, in fact, on the line.

“It is depressing that since the attack in Dapchi and Rann, the Presidency has not taken any concrete steps towards apprehending the attackers and rescue the missing aid workers.

“Instead, our dear President, who has not visited Benue, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba and other areas that have been under attack, is busy making merry in a wedding ceremony in Kano, while the world mourns the murder of international aids workers providing succour to internally displaced persons in our country.

“We stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased and urge all well-meaning Nigerians and groups, particularly international bodies, to rise up and do all within the laws to assist our nation as the APC Federal Government has completely failed.”

“Nigerians have become weary, despondent and disappointed as insurgents, murderers and marauders rove our land while the Buhari Presidency engaged in cosmetic reactions.

“We ask: what was the actual security situation in Rann and what was the information available to the community before the attack?

“What has the Federal Government to say to the allegations that it released some arrested terrorists as well as allegations that monies were even paid by government agents to terrorist groups as ransom in controversial swap deals, the PDP queried.