Buhari Shocked at Sexual Abuse Claims

On Monday, human rights organisation, Human Rights Watch (HRW), released a report accusing Nigerian government officials of sexual abuse. The allegations state that female victims of Boko Haram were sexually abused by officials ordered to assist them.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari responded as being “shocked”, condemned the allegations and is launching an investigation.

In the month of July, alone, the HRW reported 43 cases of women and girls in IDP camps in Maiduguri, being abused by camp leaders, vigilante groups, policemen and soldiers.

Senior Nigeria researcher at HRW, Mausi Segun described the situation:

“It is bad enough that these women and girls are not getting much-needed support for the horrific trauma they suffered at the hands of Boko Haram… It is disgraceful and outrageous that people who should protect these women and girls are attacking and abusing them.”

Reportedly, four victims were drugged and raped, while 37 consented to sexual intercourse because of undue influence.

Boko Haram has devastated northeast Nigeria in its quest to create an Islamist state. They have killed over 20 000 people to date and have displaced over 2.6 million from their homes.