UN confirms terrorists attack on aid truck in Borno

The UN humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, has confirmed

In a report by TheCable, Kallon said the deadly ambush on the convoy carrying humanitarian food supplies for conflict-affected is capable of limiting the organisation’s work in Nigeria.

In a statement released by the UN on Monday, December 18, 2017, the aid agency expressed grave concern over the limitations that attacks on aids trucks may have on the delivery of life-saving supplies to people in need in north-east Nigeria.

“Violence against convoys carrying humanitarian aid is unacceptable and can result in concerning limitations in our ability to provide life-saving relief to those who need it the most,” Kallon said.

“We must ensure the safety of aid workers and aid convoys across the north-east of Nigeria, so people in need of assistance can access it in a timely manner and in sufficient quantity. Many lives are at risk,” he added.

The Attack

The convoy of the UN aid trucks conveying humanitarian food supplies for conflict-affected, was ambushed by a non-state armed group between Dikwa and Gamboru road, in Borno state.

The ambush reportedly resulted in the loss of at least four people as well as the destruction of basic aid items initially destined to alleviate the suffering of thousands of women, children and men.

ALSO READ: 4 killed in terrorist attack on UN convoy in Borno

The Army's Statement

The Nigerian army, in a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, had dismissed the report as misleading.

The Army further said no trucks of the UN agency conveying food items were carted away in the insurgents’ attack on Saturday at Maula village of Gamboru-Ngala Local Government Area of the state.

ALSO READ: No UN personnel killed or food items carted away by insurgents in Borno

In another statement, the army, through Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, said only Boko Haram members were killed in the attack.

He also denied the killings of civilians in the attack coordinated by the Boko Haram insurgents against the World Food Programme.

The United Nations effort on North East

The United Nations and its partners operate in the north-east of Nigeria in order to provide life-saving assistance to 6.9 million people affected by the brutal conflict.

Humanitarian operations are carried out following the four basic humanitarian principles of operational independence, humanity, impartiality and neutrality.

Since January 2017, despite major challenges, humanitarian operations in north-east Nigeria have managed to assist over 5 million conflict-affected people in the states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, including 3 million with food security interventions, 936,000 with nutritional support, 5 million with health care assistance, and over 1.3 million with safe drinking water.