Dogara appeals to UN to resume aid services‎

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara yesterday appealed to the Uinted Nation (UN) to reconsider its suspension of humanitarian aid to  Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.‎

The suspension was prompted by an attack on United Nations aid workers by members of the Boko Haram terrorist group in Borno state.
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The attack occurred while a UNICEF humanitarian convoy was travelling from Bama to Maiduguri in Borno State on aid mission to IDP camp.‎

The Speaker who also condemned the attack in a statement signed by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan, described the attack as barbaric, inhuman and regrettable.

According to Dogara, the suspension will only worsen the situation of those already in need, adding that they will be further deprived.‎

Dogara called upon security agencies to further intensify efforts to safeguard the region.

He also said that although gains had been recorded in the fight against terrorism in the North East, such attacks needed to be curtailed for the region to record any meaningful progress.

"This dastardly attack on aid workers further proves that these terrorists are totally inhuman and have no regard for life.‎
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"There are severe cases of malnutrition and many IDP's are in need of healthcare services and food.

"It is imperative that our security agencies step up their operations  and finally consign these attacks by Boko Haram to the past. The North-East is in dire need of all the help it can get and without adequate security, this help will not be forthcoming", the Speaker said.

He also thanked the United Nations for their assistance  and support so far, stressing that "we appreciate the efforts of all aid agencies in comforting and caring for our people in the North-East, and deeply regret that aid  personnel were attacked in the region. I hope that aid activities can resume soon, and that this never happens again."‎