Theatre Commander, UN, Condemn Killing of Humanitarian Worker, Soldier, Injury to Pilot in Borno

The United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, on Friday, condemned the killing of a humanitarian worker, Médecins du Monde, by a soldier in Damboa, Borno State.

The Coordinator, in a statement, lamented that: “The killing is disturbing and sad,” notting that he has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the aid worker’s family and other colleagues in the Northeast.

Also, the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj-Gen. Christopher Musa, condemned the killings of a humanitarian worker and a soldier

A statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Samson Zhakom in Maiduguri, said: “We regret to inform the public of a sad incident at one of our military bases in Damboa.

The ground troops immediately neutralised the rampaging soldier, after he injured the co-pilot. The injured co-pilot has been stabilised while the bodies had been deposited at the hospital…”

He said that investigation into the incident had begun with subsequent remedial actions to prevent future occurrences.

While wishing the wounded pilot a speedy recovery Mr. Schmale said all humanitarian workers in the Northeast “deserve the fullest respect for their courage and commitment to stay alive, while discharging their respective responsibilities”.

“The UN humanitarian workers deliver life-saving assistance to people in need in often difficult and dangerous circumstances.”

He commended the government and military’s efforts to speedily investigate the incident and therefore, urged them to ‘strengthen remedial measures’ to prevent similar killings in the future.