Chioma Umeha
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on
Monday condemned the use of children as suicide bombers by Boko Haram
terrorists in Nigeria’s northeast.
The agency’s statement which came hours after two
underage girls and a boy blew themselves up at a community football viewing
center in the Konduga area of Borno State – the heart of the 10-year-old
insurgency.
According to the statement which was signed by
Oluwatosin Akingbulu, Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships, UNICEF and made
available to DAILY INDEPENDENT, Peter Hawkins, the agency’s Representative in
Nigeria condemned the incident which left at least 30 dead and 40 others
injured.
“UNICEF condemns the use of children as human
bombs and in any combat or non-combat roles in the conflict in northeast
Nigeria,” the statement read.
“It is unacceptable that children should be used
in this way. UNICEF appeals to all those involved in this terrible conflict to
protect children at all times and to keep them out of harm’s way.”
UNICEF said the incident brought to five the
number of children used as human bombs this year. In 2018, 48 children died as
suicide bombers, while more than 83 children suffered a similar fate in 2017.
“We again call on all parties to the conflict in
northeast Nigeria to immediately cease all attacks against civilians, to stop
using children in this conflict, and to abide by their obligations under
international humanitarian law,” it added.
