Stakeholders charge Borno govt to protect children, women affected by insurgency
By Ladi Dapson, Maiduguri
Stakeholders including traditional and religious leaders have urged the Borno state government formulate policies that would protect children and women affected by the insurgency.
According to them, there’s need for governments to recognize the roles of traditional rulers in the constitution.
The District Head of Maisandari, Alhaji Bukar Abba, said they urged the government and humanitarian partners to implement the compiled demands, which are outlined in three chapters.
He emphasized the need for collective efforts towards actualizing the dreams and sustainable growth of the victims and survivors.
On his part, Engineer Baba Ahmed Sanda, the district head of Yerwa, suggested that the invisible children should be shared to the district heads of the communities where the children come from and be placed under their guardianship.
He added that the government and other agencies should empower the district heads to cater for the children, otherwise, they will grow up to become a nuisance to society.
Responding, the Executive Director Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, Hamsatu Allamin during a one-day town hall meeting to “discuss the demands of survivors and victims of insurgency”held in Maiduguri, said the initiatives would address the plight of those affected by the insurgency and promote transitional justice and human rights.
Also speaking, the Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, assured the participants of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s commitment to partnering with the Allamin Foundation.
She appreciated the foundation’s activities and commended the founder’s bravery and diligence in humanitarian efforts, especially in deradicalization, reconciliation, reintegration, and rehabilitation.
She pledged to support and encourage traditional leaders and government officials to participate in implementing the demands as part of women and girls’ rights.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Borno state Governor on Security Matters, Brig General Ishaq Abdullahi (rtd) said the roles of traditional and religious leaders is paramount to the success recorded in the three years.
The participants called on the judiciary and government officials to ensure that the demands are implemented as policy documents by relevant government agencies and departments.
