President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday evening expressed shock over the Human Rights Watch (HRW) report released earlier in the day 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,” Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity) Garba Shehu said in a statement issued in Abuja.

He disclosed that 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,” Shehu said, adding:

“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.”

•Photo shows President Buhari.

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