Nigeria’s Defense Minister Advocates For Enhanced Support For Victims Of Terrorism
…Says Nigeria committed to protecting the rights of victims
By Lynn Adda
The Minister of Defence, Hon Mohammed Abubakar Badaru has advocated for enhanced support for victims of terrorism.
The Defense Minister’s call which is contained in a Press Release signed by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Mati Ali, stressed the need for the International Community to collectively work towards protecting and supporting victims of terrorism.
The Minister made the call during the fifth Ministerial meeting of the group of friends of victims of terrorism at the United Nations Headquarters, New York.
Hon Badaru said Nigeria is proud to have been involved in the 2023 8th Review of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) which emphasized dignity and respect for victims of terrorism, recognizing their role in preventing and countering terrorism.
He appeal for increased protection and assistance for survivors and their communities, promoting dialogue and tolerance through inclusive, community-led initiatives to foster social cohesion.
The Defense Minister highlighted the role of education in providing employment and income opportunities, affording young people a sense of community, developing critical thinking skills as well as building resilience against recruitment and by extension, preventing terrorism.
“We urge greater support of investment in the provision and restoration of qualitative, holistic and innovative educational opportunities for victims of terrorism”.
While re-emphasizing Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of victims of terrorism and supporting their needs, he condemned the targeting of schools by terrorist groups and the abduction of school children, which has denied them the much needed education.
The Minister commended the United Nations office of Counter-Terrorism led by Vladimir Voronkov for his pivotal role in promoting international solidarity in support of the victims, saying the collective responsibility to the affected communities will contribute towards enhanced support for victims of terrorism.
