Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has condemned the attack on United Nations aid workers by members of the Boko Haram terrorist group in Borno State.

The attack occurred while a UNICEF humanitarian convoy was traveling from Bama to Maiduguri in Borno State on aid mission to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The Speaker, in a statement signed by his spokesman, Mr. Turaki Hassan, described the attack as barbaric and inhuman.

Dogara, who said the attack was regrettable, called on security agencies to further intensify efforts to safeguard the region.

He also said that although gains had been recorded in the fight against terrorism in the North East, such attacks needed to be curtailed for the region to record any meaningful progress.

The Speaker said: “This dastardly attack on aid workers further proves that these terrorists are totally inhuman and have no regard for life.

“There are severe cases of malnutrition and many IDP’s are in need of healthcare services and food. The suspension of aid services prompted by this attack will only worsen the situation as those already in need will be further deprived.

“It is imperative that our security agencies step up their operations and finally consign these attacks by Boko Haram to the past. The North-East is in dire need of all the help it can get and without adequate security, this help will not be forthcoming.”

He also thanked the United Nations for their assistance and support so far, saying that “we appreciate the efforts of all aid agencies in comforting and caring for our people in the North-East, and deeply regret that aid personnel were attacked in the region. I hope that aid activities can resume soon, and that this never happens again.”

•Photo shows Speaker Dogara.

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