UNICEF West Africa boss condemns Rann attack

THE United Nations Children’s fund UNICEF regional director for west and central Africa Marie-Pierre Poirier has condemned the latest attack on humanitarian staff in Rann, Kala-Balge Borno state.

The Regional Director for West and Central Africa said in a release that they were shocked at the attack on their people who were not armed and by insurgents while they were indeed hanging out in Rann to ensure that humanity is bailed out of the 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 protect 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 the safe return of those missing ” said Poirier

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, ensuring that every child everywhere is protected, to build a better world for everyone.

Meanwhile, most of those who escaped from the attack are being handled by their respective agencies except for the French agency MSF which has vowed to pull out of Rann which has one of the most difficult terrains to work.