President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to tackle the menace of unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the aftermath of the Boko Haram insurgency as well as the plight of children orphaned by the activities of the terrorists in the Northeast.
This is even as the minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, revealed that workers security database, since 2016, revealed that 35 aid workers have died, 22 wounded and 28 kidnapped, adding that this year, so far six aid workers have been kidnapped.
The president made the promise yesterday during his one-day official visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital where he commissioned projects executed by the Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum as well as the unveiling of humanitarian support to the victims of Boko Haram insurgency, and other vulnerable citizens as part of activities marking the World Humanitarian Day.
Buhari used the occasion to invite all relevant agencies to continue to provide support to stabilise the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as commitment to the ongoing processes concerning Boko Haram members who are willing to surrender.
“I have set up a committee under the chairmanship of the vice president to come up with specific programmes and projects that respond to these emerging challenges of explosive ordinances, as well as little children orphaned by insurgency.
“I commend the Borno State Government in rehabilitating many IDPs in the northeast, I hope to see more of our leaders’ commitment to humanitarian services, through government at all levels in our efforts to ensure a better life for our people.
“The troops of Operation Hadin Kai, Security Agencies and the Multinational Joint Task Force are very much appreciated for their commitment to the fight against insurgency, I commend their professionalism and technical penetration to the Sambisa Forest on the criminal elements leading to appreciable improvement of the security solution in this north eastern region.
“I therefore implore you, not to relent in your efforts to continue to take the fight to their hideout and ensure they are completely eliminated. I also implore you to ensure adequate security for farmers in their farming activities as agricultural activities are most needed for settlement and development of rural areas,” the president said.
He said his administration shall continue to stand in solidarity with humanity, humanitarian aid workers, and recognise their tremendous service and sacrifice.
“Their selfless commitment and actions stand as an example to us all. We will also make sure and ensure that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development facilitate their work,” the president said.
The minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, said the federal government would continue to respect the memory of those who died while performing service.
The minister noted that there have been tremendous efforts and huge achievements as a result of the efforts of the federal government, state governments, the United Nations, international donors, NGOs and other partners, as witnessed by the massive surrender by insurgents and thousands of returnees.
In his remarks, Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum appreciated the international community, development partners and all international and national non-governmental organisations who have been in the state, helping the victims of insurgency and supporting the effort to give people hope in the midst of the great misery brought about by the crisis.
