Statement by Eric Batonon, Norwegian Refugee Council Country Director in Nigeria
“Yesterday’s brutal attack jeopardized our work and threatened the lives of many aid workers. Thankfully our five staff staying in Damasak town escaped unharmed. However, the perpetrators succeeded in setting our guesthouse ablaze and destroying lifesaving relief supplies, including vehicles used to deliver aid.
We condemn these acts of senseless violence. They serve to terrorise humanitarians and the communities we are here to help, and they delay critical aid from reaching families in dire need. Humanitarian space is shrinking in northeast Nigeria, and we call on the Government of Nigeria to ensure it is protected.”
Note to editors:
- Photos of NRC’s destroyed facilities can be downloaded here.
- For interviews, please contact:
- NRC’s global media hotline: phone+47 905 623 29, email: media@nrc.no
- Tom Peyre-Costa: phone +33 658 518 391, email: tom.peyrecosta@nrc.no
