Alleged sexual abuse in IDPs: Buhari orders immediate investigation

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim, to immediately investigate allegations of sexual abuses and exploitation of women and girls in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

The President who stated this on Monday in a statement his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu made available to newsmen, also instructed the governors of affected states to immediately commence investigations into the cases of sexual abuse.

The directive is coming after Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that women and girls in IDP camps in the North East are being sexual abused and exploited by some officials and security personnel of the camps.

Reacting, Shehu said that President Buhari was “worried and shocked” by the report of the HRW.

“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.

Read also: Nigerian officials sexually abuse IDPs, HRW alleges

“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.

“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”, the statement read.

By Ebere Ndukwu …

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