President Muhammadu BuhariPresident Muhammadu Buhari is worried and shocked by the recently released Human Rights Watch (HRW) report which alleges sexual abuse and exploitation of women and girls in camps for those displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency, the presidency said in a statement on Monday, adding that the president has ordered the police to open an investigation.
Human Rights Watch in its latest report painted a bleak picture of IDPs camps in Nigeria where all kinds of abuses occur, including rape.
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.
The Presidency said the welfare of “these most vulnerable of Nigerian citizens has been a priority” of the Buhari government.
“Nigerians and the international community can rest assured that the allegations raised in the HRW are not being taken lightly,” the statement added.
It added: “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”.