ACTED, the French international Non-Governmental Organisation (iNGO), that was suspended by the Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum days ago has responded to the state governor the reasons for their actions.
Zulum had suspended all ACTED operations in Borno state for organising gun shooting training in a hotel in Maiduguri. Following the incident, an investigation was launched while the hotel where the training held was sealed.
READ ALSO: Zulum suspends French NGO for conducting gun shoot training at Maiduguri hotel
In reaction to the governor’s decision, the French international NGO said that it organised the shooting training for its staff in the state, as part of safety measures, so they can be prepared in case of any safety emergencies they may encounter as they discharge their humanitarian duties to some communities ravaged by insurgency in Borno state.
In a statement released by the organisation on Sunday, ACTED said such shooting training for their staff became very necessary, as, over the past few years of providing critical humanitarian assistance to people in the Northeast and other parts of Nigeria, their staff and partners have faced so many dangers where their safety, lives and resources were seriously compromised.
They said, “In May 2020, an ACTED contractor was abducted between Maiduguri/Monguno axis, and tragically killed while in service; in March 2021, ACTED staff faced imminent danger during an attack while providing humanitarian assistance in Dikwa, also in April, the ACTED office and warehouse in Damasak were attacked by armed groups, and large stocks of humanitarian supplies meant for the people in need were destroyed”.
Speaking further about the shooting practice “ACTED added that it is the duty of the organisation to safeguard the well-being of its staff, as well as ensure the safety of humanitarian materials, the iNGO said the training exercise was in that regard.
“This includes regularly organising training and simulation exercises, such as the one held on June 26, in order for them to be prepared to cope with unexpected security incidents”. The statement added.
ACTED further said the organisation has always complied with relevant laws in Borno and also in Nigeria as it carries out all humanitarian works in the northeast.
The statement reveals that the simulation exercises ACTED organised are standard procedures for many NGOs globally.
The organisation said that in no way, neither during those exercises nor during the delivery of assistance, does ACTED carry weapons, in line with international standards and its dedication to upholding principled humanitarian action.
However, ACTED stated that it remains committed to cooperating with the Nigerian authorities as well as ensuring “the highest levels of transparency towards the authorities and the people we serve.”
The iNGO also sent out its compliments to the Governor of Borno state, Babagana Zulum, applauding his leadership and guidance to the humanitarian community and particularly to ACTED, by providing support for the successful implementation of humanitarian activities in the Northeast over the past years.
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