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A five-year-old child and two civilians were killed in an attack by Boko Haram fighters on a United Nations aid helicopter in Damasak area of Borno State.
UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, confirming the attack on Saturday, condemned the shooting of the plan, and called on the Federal Government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Kallon lamented that the attack on UN helicopter would affect the organisation’s ability to reach remote areas.
“I am gravely concerned by reports of another violent attack by non-state armed groups in Damasak in which at least two civilians lost their lives, including a five-year old child. Several others were injured, and a humanitarian helicopter was hit, sustaining serious damage,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
“I welcome the government’s commitment to investigate the attack and swiftly bring to justice the perpetrators.
“A UN Humanitarian Air Service helicopter was hit by bullets during the attack. No aid workers were on board at the time and crew members are all safe.
“I call on all parties to allow and facilitate safe and unimpeded access for humanitarians to deliver life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable people in the north-east.
“Insecurity and violent attacks continue to hamper the ability of people to access basic services or livelihoods and recover from the protracted crisis in North-East Nigeria. I call on the Nigerian authorities to reinforce the safety and security of all humanitarian workers.”
A UN communication told AFP the aircraft was shot as it approached Damasak and the pilots managed to fly back to Maiduguri.
A source at the UN Mission House in Maiduguri, Borno told The Punch the UN had suspended its air expeditions in the troubled North-East for at least one week.
