The United Nations has disclosed that an estimated 27,000 Nigerians died between 2009 and 2019 in the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.
The United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, made this known on Wednesday during the commemoration of the 10th “anniversary” of the Boko Haram crisis.
“The Boko Haram crisis in the North East over 10 years between 2009 and 2019 has claimed 27,000 civilians due to this decade-long conflict in Nigeria’s North East,” Kallon said.
He also said the UN is unhappy that humanitarian workers have been killed and kidnapped.
He said for the workers that had died in the line of duty, “their memories lie in the hearts and minds to all.
“We are grieved for the loss of fellow aid workers in the North East, in Kaduna State, in other states, and in the very place where we are gathered today.
“Their memories live on vividly in our hearts and minds and their dedication in service of humanity should continue to be an inspiration to us all.”
The event, tagged: “Holding On: An Immersive Experience of Internal Displacement: 10 Years of Crises in North East Nigeria,” was held at the United Nations House in Abuja.
In attendance were the Yobe State Governor, Mai Buni; Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency, Mustapha Maihaja; Edem Wosornu, Head of the UN Office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs; and the Executive Coordinator, NINGONET, Josephine Habba.
