Ebun Francis
Following the report Monday by Human Right Watch that women and girls were being sexually exploited by security officials at the camps of the internally displaced persons in the north east, President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the inspector-general of police to immediately commence investigation into the issue. The senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the President was worried and shocked by the details contained in the Human Right Watch report.
According Shehu, “President Muhammadu Buhari is worried and shocked by the recently released Human Rights Watch (HRW) report which alleges sexual abuse and exploitation of women and girls in camps for those displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency.”
“The welfare of these most vulnerable of Nigerian citizens has been a priority of his government. Nigerians and the international community can rest assured that the allegations raised in the HRW are not being taken lightly.
“President Buhari has instructed the inspector general of police and the state governors of the affected states to immediately commence investigations into the issue. Their findings will determine the next course of action for the government and define an appropriate response.
“While the Nigerian military continues to work hard so that these unfortunate victims of Boko Haram terrorism can soon return safely to their homes, the government will do its best to ensure their protection and welfare in the temporary IDP camps.”