The International Committee of
the Red Cross, ICRC, has spoken on its involvement in the handover of the three
lecturers of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and 10 women from Boko Haram
insurgents to security operatives.
Boko Haram insurgents abducted
the women in June 2017 while the lecturer were taken in November, all in Borno
state.
In a statement, the Red Cross
said it was contacted to play the role.
ICRC’s Deputy Regional Director
for Africa, Patrick Youssef said, “We are so pleased that these 13 people are
free and will be able to see their families again.
“The ICRC was not involved in any
negotiations that led to the handover of the 13 people. The armed opposition
handed the 13 people over to ICRC representatives who transported them to
Nigerian authorities.
“This action was similar to what
the ICRC did in October 2016 and May 2017, when we transported the released
Chibok girls to Nigerian officials.
“There are many people missing or
being held against their will due to the conflict. This creates untold trauma
and suffering, including for families across the Lake Chad region who must live
with the daily uncertainty and anguish of not knowing the fate or whereabouts
of their loved ones.
“We hope that these people, too,
will get to return to their families soon.”
Red Cross expressed its
willingness to provide similar humanitarian services in the future when asked
by relevant parties to the conflict.
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