The Federal Government on Monday expressed deep concerns over the escalating number of attacks on humanitarian workers across Nigeria, calling for immediate measures to protect those working in conflict zones.
National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons Federal Commissioner Tijani Ahmed raised the alarm at a press conference in Abuja to mark World Humanitarian Day 2024.
Ahmed revealed a disturbing surge in attacks on aid workers, with 49 reported incidents involving 79 workers since 2020. These incidents include kidnappings, ambushes, and fatalities, highlighting the growing risks humanitarian workers face.
The commissioner cited recent examples, including the killing of an aid worker from Médecins du Monde, the wounding of a UN pilot, and a violent attack on the United Nations Aid Facility in Borno State, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 Internally Displaced Persons.
Ahmed emphasized that the intentional targeting of humanitarian workers is a war crime under the Geneva Conventions, to which all African nations are signatories. He urged for collective action to protect humanitarian workers and uphold the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
“In Nigeria, humanitarian workers have frequently found themselves in the crossfire of non-state armed groups. Between 2020 and 2024, there have been 49 reported incidents affecting 79 humanitarian workers.
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“These include the tragic killing of an aid worker from Médecins du Monde, the wounding of a UN pilot, and the attack on the United Nations Aid Facility in Borno State, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 internally displaced persons and forced aid workers to flee for safety.
“In 2024 alone, no fewer than 26 humanitarian workers in Nigeria have been kidnapped, ambushed, or assaulted while carrying out their duties,” he lamented.
The Geneva Conventions, to which all African nations are signatories, stipulate that the intentional targeting of humanitarian workers is a war crime.
Such acts violate the core principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence that guide humanitarian action.
“These heinous acts not only endanger the lives of those who are dedicated to helping others but also violate the very principles of humanity that underpin our global commitment to peace and justice,” he said.
The Federal Government’s call to action comes as the humanitarian community marks World Humanitarian Day 2024, themed ‘ActForHumanity,’ to draw attention to the growing risks faced by aid workers.
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