UNICEF raise alarm over use of children as “human bomb” north east Nigeria
Unicef had raised an alarm concerning the continue using of teenagers in the northeast Nigeria as” human bomb”
according to Unicef tweeter handle, 83 children have been used as so-called “human bombs” in northeast Nigeria so far.
“Since Jan. 1, 83 children have been used as so called ‘human bombs’; 55 were girls, most often under 15 years old; 27 were boys, and one was a baby strapped to a girl,” UNICEF said.
According to UNICEF, Boko Haram armed group has sometimes claimed responsibility for these attacks, which target the civilian population.
The militants are behind an insurgency which has displaced millions of people in four countries around Lake Chad.
UNICEF decried the use of child human bombs as an “atrocity,” reminding that these children are, above all, victims and not perpetrators.
“The use of children in such attacks has had a further impact of creating suspicion and fear of children who have been released, rescued or escaped from Boko Haram.
” As a result, many children who have managed to get away from captivity face rejection when they try to reintegrate into their communities, which compounds their suffering.”
UNICEF recalled that northeast Nigeria is among four countries and regions facing looming famine, with up to 450,000 children at risk of severe acute malnutrition this year.
The UN agency is providing psychosocial support for children who have been held by Boko Haram in addition to working with families and communities to accept these children when they return.
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