The United Nations has condemned Boko Haram attack on one of its helicopters in the Damasak area of Borno State.
The incident, which occurred on July 2, led to the death of two persons including a five-year-old child.
The UN, therefore, called on the Federal Government to investigate the attack and “swiftly bring perpetrators to justice”.
In a statement on Saturday entitled ‘Statement on Attack in Damasak,
Damage to Aid Helicopter’ and signed by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator
in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, the international body said bullets fired by
insurgents damaged the chopper and has affected humanitarian works in
the North-East.
Kallon said, “I deplore that a UN Humanitarian Air Service helicopter
was hit by bullets during the attack. No aid workers were on board at
the time and crew members are all safe. My thoughts are also with the
crew and I commend them for piloting the chopper back to safety during
this critical situation.
“The attack and damage to the helicopter severely affect the ability of
aid actors to provide urgently needed assistance to vulnerable people in
remote areas across Borno State.
“I strongly condemn any attack against civilians, humanitarian assets or
aid workers and call on all armed parties to respect international
humanitarian law and international human rights law, and ensure the
protection of civilians, humanitarian property and personnel.
“I call on the Nigerian authorities to reinforce the safety and security of all humanitarian workers.
“I welcome the Government commitment to investigate the attack and swiftly bring to justice the perpetrators.
