Buhari orders IGP to investigate alleged sexual assault on female IDPs by police, soldiers, others

A few days ago there was a report published by the Human Rights Watch about the alleged sexual assault by some police soldiers, vigilante, and other government officials on female IDPs in various camps in the North. 

President Buhari yesterday instructed the Inspector General of Police and governor of the states with IDP camps, to investigate the allegations. President Buhari's instruction is contained in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Shehu Garba. 

Read the statement below:

President 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 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.

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.

GARBA SHEHU

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media and Publicity)

October 31, 2016