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Tuesday, June 18, 2019

UNICEF condemns use of children for human bombs in north-east Nigeria - NaijaAgroNet

The UNICEF has bemoaned the use of children in north-east of Nigeria as human bombs, just as girls top the number of children used for this purpose, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Disclosing this to NaijaAgroNet, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins condemned the use of children as human bombs especially in Nigeria’s north-east.

He told NaijaAgroNet in a press statement made available to correspondent that the use of children as human bombs in any combat or non-combat roles in the conflict in north-east Nigeria is condemnable.

“According to several reports, three children - two girls and a boy (ages unknown) – were used to detonate explosives that killed 30 people and injured 40 others at a community football viewing centre in Konduga, Borno today. UNICEF sends its condolences to all those who have been killed or injured in this horrific incident.

“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.

“This incident brings the number of children who have been reported as having been used as human bombs to five, since January 2019. In 2018, 48 children - including 38 girls - were used in suicide attacks.

“We again call on all parties to the conflict in north-east 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.”

NaijaAgroNet gathered that since 2012, non-state armed groups in north-east Nigeria have recruited and used children as combatants and non-combatants, raped and forced girls to marry, and committed other grave violations against children. 

Some of the girls, NaijaAgroNet also gathered, became pregnant in captivity and give birth without any medical care or attention.

In the ongoing armed conflict in north-east Nigeria, more than 3,500 children were recruited and used by non-state armed groups between 2013 and 2017.

The use of children in suicide attacks by armed groups as Person-Borne Explosive Devices (PBIED) significantly increased from 2014 to 2017.

In 2018, a total 48 children (38 girls) were used in suicide attacks whilst 146 (45 boys, 101 girls) children were used in the same way in 2017.


In first quarter 2019, two girls were reported as having been used as PBIEDs. 

Isaac Oyimah/Editor

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