Women and girls who have undergone deradicalization and survivors of Boko Haram atrocities are urging government bodies, intervention agencies, security forces, and non-governmental organizations to provide them with empowerment, protection, healthcare, livelihood support, and assistance in reintegrating into their communities,leadership reports.
These survivors include individuals who suffered sexual abuse within Boko Haram territories and other areas of Borno State during the height of the insurgency.
Their demands were articulated during a two-day workshop organized by the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development in Maiduguri, focusing on the implementation of demands outlined by victims, survivors, and deradicalized women and girls.
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Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, the Executive Director of the Foundation, highlighted that many of these women and girls were forcibly recruited into the Boko Haram ranks or abducted by terrorists but have since regained their freedom and are advocating for their rights.
The workshop aimed to facilitate discussions on how to address the needs of these individuals, including formulating policies to ensure their protection and well-being, with input from various stakeholders.
Dr. Lawan Balami, the facilitator and monitoring and evaluation consultant for the project, emphasized the importance of collaboration between security forces, government agencies, non-state actors, and other relevant parties in implementing effective policies.
Professor Haruna Dlakwa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, University of Maiduguri, highlighted existing policy gaps in addressing the demands of survivors and victims of the Boko Haram insurgency. Despite commendable efforts by the state government, he noted the need for further initiatives to bridge these gaps.
However, he praised the “Borno Model” policy initiated by the Borno State Government, which underscores Governor Babagana Zulum’s commitment to the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), as well as repatriating Borno indigenes from neighboring countries.
