The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is deeply saddened by the death of a number of Red Cross aid workers following an airstrike on the town of Rann, near the border of Nigeria and Cameroon.
At least 6 volunteers were killed, and 13 more wounded, although both figures may rise. In addition to aid staff, it is estimated that 70 people have been killed and more than hundred wounded.
The volunteers were in Rann as part of a humanitarian operation bringing food and other aid to more than 25,000 displaced people.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our six colleagues and shocked that an incident of this magnitude has occurred in a civilian area,” said Elder (Chief) Bolaji Akpan Anani, President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society. “Our hearts and prayers are with the bereaved and the wounded as we remain undaunted and focused on our commitment to those who need help.”
“It is unacceptable that so many civilians were killed and wounded. All measures must be put in place to ensure that such a tragic incident never happens again. We stand committed to continue providing humanitarian assistance to the persons affected by the conflict in the North East of Nigeria,” said Eloi Fillion, Head of Delegation for the ICRC in Nigeria.
Aid workers must be able to operate safely, and be allowed to deliver vital assistance where it is needed, without fear of losing their lives.
We stand together with the Movement by extending our condoloences to the families of all those killed or injured. The safety of every humanitarian worker must be protected.
