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Act for Humanity: The Urgent Call of World Humanitarian Day 2024

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Act for Humanity: The Urgent Call of World Humanitarian Day 2024

By: Mohamed Malick Fall

Every year, World Humanitarian Day (WHD) serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of humanitarian efforts globally. This year, the theme #ActForHumanity emphasizes the collective responsibility we all share in protecting civilians and the humanitarian workers who serve them in conflicts and other crises.

As we observe this day on 19 August, it is crucial to reflect on the profound implications of ongoing conflicts, the flagrant violations of international humanitarian law (IHL), and the dire need for global leaders to take decisive action and say enough is enough.

Conflicts around the world, from Gaza to Sudan, continue to wreak havoc on civilians. Climate change is also increasing humanitarian needs.

In north-east Nigeria, the prolonged conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing millions, disrupting livelihoods and compounding already alarming levels of food insecurity and malnutrition.

In 2024 alone, 8.1 million people need humanitarian assistance in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states in north-east Nigeria. This includes 2.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 4.1 million people in host communities. Humanitarian partners together with the Government of Nigeria aim to reach 4.4 million of these people with lifesaving food, water, shelter and other emergency assistance.

In Borno State, Anna Monday, a mother of four, endures the harsh realities of displacement. Forced from her home, she now lives in a temporary learning centre at the reception centre in Pulka, a place designed for short-term accommodation but now a long-term refuge for many. Up to 30 women sleep in the shelter while the men sleep outside, highlighting the lack of adequate shelter.

Amina Buba, a mother of four, was displaced from her village in Adamawa State due to violent attacks by insurgent groups. Her home was burnt, forcing her family to flee with only the clothes on their backs. In the IDP camp, Amina struggles to find enough food and clean water for her children.

Fatima Mohammadu, a young girl from Yobe State, was separated from her family during a raid on her village. She was found by humanitarian workers and brought to an IDP camp. The trauma of separation and the loss of her loved ones have left deep emotional scars. In the camp, she faces challenges such as lack of access to education and inadequate nutrition.

Women, men, boys and girls across Nigeria are also affected due to crises linked to intercommunal violence, the climate crisis or general hardships. Women and children, often suffer the worst effects enduring widespread violations of their rights, including sexual violence.

A combination of insecurity, limited access to affected people, and inadequate funding and resources are complicating the delivery of essential services, leaving millions of people in humanitarian need.

In north-east Nigeria, attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers have become disturbingly common blatantly violating international humanitarian law.

On 29 June, for instance, numerous civilians died, and dozens were injured in multiple suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno. A month later, many families lost their loved ones in yet another suicide attack in Konduga, also in Borno. These incidents underscore the persistent threat to civilian lives in conflict, and highlight the urgent need for enhanced protection measures, including stricter adherence to international norms and the need for greater accountability for violations.

Every day, humanitarian workers, from Government, non-governmental organizations, the United Nations (UN), civil society, Nigerian and international staff go out of their way to save lives and to bring people back to their feet. Host communities accommodate people who are internally displaced despite not having much to share because of their humanity.

World Humanitarian Day is more relevant than ever. The world has never seen greater humanitarian need. The number of people who are suffering because of conflict and other humanitarian crises is staggering. There has never been a more urgent need to protect civilians, and to recognize the critical role of humanitarian workers.

Global leaders and parties to conflict have a pivotal role to play in resolving conflicts and protecting humanitarian workers. They must not only condemn violations of international humanitarian law, but also take concrete steps to hold those responsible for violations accountable.

Thanks to funding from donors, humanitarians are reaching millions of people each year with lifesaving assistance. But they need robust support to continue their vital work in support of Government efforts. This includes financial resources, humanitarian access, and political goodwill.

Today, only a quarter of the resources needed to address urgent humanitarian needs globally and in north-east Nigeria has been forthcoming. Without these resources we will be unable to support Anna, Amina, and Fatima to survive and rebuild their lives.

Beyond humanitarian interventions, development-related activities are key as humanitarian needs also stem from a lack of basic services, a lack of livelihoods, and poor access to employment for young people.
The theme #ActForHumanity is not just a slogan; it is a call to action. It implores each one of us to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, to speak out against injustices, and to work towards a world where humanitarian principles are respected, and lives are protected.

On this World Humanitarian Day, let us all pledge to act for humanity, for today and for the future.

I trust that you will stand with me in solidarity with people affected by conflict and disaster and the brave men and women who come to their aid. They should not be the target of violence but must be protected at all cost.

Mohamed Malick Fall is the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria.

Act for Humanity: The Urgent Call of World Humanitarian Day 2024

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.

In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.

He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”

The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.

He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.

Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.

“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.

He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.

“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”

No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

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Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.

Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.

He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.

According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.

The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.

He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.

He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.

The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.

Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

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Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

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Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.

Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.

The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.

According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.

They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.

The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

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