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UNICEF Hands Over Medical Equipment Worth Over $300,000 To Borno Govt
UNICEF Hands Over Medical Equipment Worth Over $300,000 To Borno Govt
By Francis Okoye
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has handed over health supplies and equipment worth over $300,000 US dollars to Borno state government.
Speaking at a brief handover ceremony held at UNICEF Central Store in Maiduguri on Thursday, the UNICEF Chief of Borno Field Office, Phuong Nguyen, said a quarter of health facilities in north-east Nigeria have been destroyed, while a shortage of health workers and essential equipment and drugs has impeded the delivery of quality health services to pregnant women, newborns and children.
She noted that the intervention was to ensure that
pregnant women, newborns and vulnerable children are getting better healthcare services to fulfill their potential.
According to her, women and children have paid the highest cost of armed conflict in north-east Nigeria, especially in 2020, with each day of conflict claiming the lives of 170 children from direct and indirect causes in northeast Nigeria, which reduced access to health services, based on the United Nations Developement Programme ( UNDP) agency report.
She explained that UNICEF will soon hand over a newly built primary health care center and supplies worth over $15,000 already installed at the Hajj Camp Clinic to strengthen healthcare delivery for children and adults affected by conflict in Borno state.
She said, “Protracted conflict has continued to contribute to disease outbreaks and high maternal and child mortality rates, including child malnutrition in north-east Nigeria.
“With this intervention, pregnant women, newborns and children affected by conflict in Borno State will be able to access qualitative healthcare services in their communities, through the provision of essential health supplies in primary health care facilities located in their communities.”
“This support is in addition to other essential health and nutrition services UNICEF and donors is providing to conflict-affected women and children through the government and other partners.
She further explained that UNICEF will continue to work with governments across the north-east to ensure the survival and wellbeing of women and children.
Receiving the the medical supplies, the Borno state commissioner of health, Prof. Malam Gana said the equipment will go a long way in reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality rate in the Borno.
He explained that Borno state is one of the state in Nigeria with highest indices of maternal and neonatal mortality but said UNICEF is committed to seeing that every child and pregnant woman gets the best healthcare delivery in the state.
“I will like to recall the generosity of UNICEF in terms of assisting the Borno state government especially in this 13th years of insurgency which had resulted in the lost of 45 % per cent of our health care facilities .
“”Some of them were partially damaged and some of them were neglected by the insurgents and it has led to lost of a lot of personnel . Some were kidnapped, some were killed and some have suffered from distress disorder, that left Borno state in a callous and critical situation.
“But with the assistance from UNICEF, we have gotten some succour for our people, ” Gana said.
UNICEF Hands Over Medical Equipment Worth Over $300,000 To Borno Govt
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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