The Borno State Government yesterday refuted stories that the United Nations’ humanitarian services to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were suspended over
Thursday’s attacks while its personnel and soldiers were returning from Bama to distribute food and relief materials.

The media was awash earlier with the story that humanitarian services had been suspended in the troubled region, with even the Senate President, Bukola Saraki calling for calm and a review of the security situation in the region while pleading with the UN to resume activities as soon as possible.

Refuting the story at a news conference in Maiduguri, the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Durkwa said this was not the case and that the UN regional office would continue with its humanitarian services uninterrupted to the people of Borno State.

He said the issue of temporary suspension of relief materials by the UN did not arise despite the attacks on its personnel and soldiers. He added that the officials of the UN assured him that the attacks would not distract or suspend the humanitarian services to Borno state.

“The UN officials even asked me to extend their appreciation and gratitude to the military and Civilian JTF for their gallant support and protection
of UN personnel,” said Durkwa.

He however pointed out that of the eight UN personnel in the convoy, only the driver was injured.

He also assured that all humanitarian organisations will be provided with adequate security, while discharging their responsibilities to the over 500, 000 IDPs in the state.