Following media reports that sexual abuses are being perpetrated by security agencies within the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps as revealed by a recent Human Right Watch, HRW reports, the Action Team Against Conscription and Kidnap, ATACK, has described the development as extremely embarrassing and unacceptable. The HRW reports indicate that the security officials are sexually exploiting women and girls within the IDP camps in exchange for food and other benefits.
ATACK, in condemning the despicable acts committed by some security agencies in the IDP camps called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately intervene in the IDP ‘sex for food’ aberration with a view of bringing those responsible for the inhuman acts to book.
In the words of the National Coordinator of ATACK, Mr. Debo Adeniran, “the recent allegations are grievous, embarrassing, and would present the country and the government as inhumane and devoid of any form of empathy. The report of the Human Rights Watch should not be taken with levity; it should be taken and confronted with the same tenacity with which the fight against Boko Haram insurgency is being prosecuted. Effective steps should be taken to improve the conditions of the IDPs; it is appalling and disheartening to think about the consequences of these atrocious acts and the thoughts that encouraged it. Even worse, they were allegedly perpetrated by government officials charged with the responsibility of overseeing their welfare.”
He went on to describe the allegations as an ugly reflection of the country and if confirmed would be a huge dent on the current government. He said, “It would present the government as negligent and totally devoid of human principles and rights. These acts are criminal and these government officials are not different from the Boko Haram sect which the IDPs were supposedly rescued from. It is a shameful revelation and it’s one that is closing the blinds on every ray of hope the IDPs must have had for a better life.”
“ATACK is demanding that the government avoid failing in its responsibilities, ensure that the IDPs are restituted and their communities are safe for their return. They are human beings and as Nigerians they shouldn’t be living as refugees in their own country.” He added.
“In rating the activities of the government in the IDPs, in spite of the recent prevention of a terrorist attack, the president and his men have so far failed in creating and executing a good welfare program within the IDP camps as with the whole nation. We shouldn’t forget that there was an allegation of fund misappropriation and now there are reports of sexual abuses on young girls and women by perverted officials. However, this has provided the government with a window of opportunity to show that it values the lives of every citizen of Nigeria.” Adeniran concluded.
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