Boko Haram attacks: UN suspends operations in two Borno communities

The United Nations has suspended humanitarian operations in Dikwa and Damasak of Borno State following Boko Haram attacks in those areas.

UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

He said the organisation’s operations in the two areas were being put on hold in order to safely relocate the humanitarian personnel to other locations.

He said, “I am deeply concerned about the recent attacks on humanitarian operations in Dikwa and Damasak, affecting humanitarian assets and personnel.

“We have temporarily suspended operations in these areas in order to safely relocate humanitarian staff and are closely monitoring the situation. We intend to resume operations as soon as possible, so that civilians affected by the conflict continue to receive the assistance they need.

“I condemn in the strongest terms attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure which may constitute violations on International Humanitarian Law.”

There have been renewed attacks by Boko Haram on communities in Borno State, where the insurgency has been raging for a decade.

The insurgents attacked Damasak in Mobbar LGA on Wednesday, displacing hundreds of residents who fled to the neighbouring Niger Republic.

In March, they had attacked Dikwa, overrunning the humanitarian hub and destroying government facilities.