Group Calls For Funds To Rescue Victims Of Boko Haram, Others

The Nigeria Coalition for the International Criminal Court (NCICC) has called on government to direct the Committee on Victims Support Fund (CVSF) to released fund and materials to the Nigeria Foundation for Support of Victims of Terrorism to enable it function properly.

The call is contained in a statement endorsed by NCICC steering committee chairman Chino Obiagwu. The group said: “In the last few weeks, the Nigerian military has rescued over 1,500 women, girls and children abducted by Boko Haram.

According to the United Nations Population Fund, about 214 of the women and girls rescued are currently pregnant, raising issues that need to be addressed by CVSF and other humanitarian organisations.

“Every victim of terrorism and violence who qualifies to benefit from the fund can apply and be assisted. The CVSF raised the sum of N80 billion during a presidential fund raising event on Thursday, July 31, 2014.

Although NCICC commended the fund raising, our celebration has been short-lived considering that the money is yet to reach the actual victims, who have sadly increased since July 2014.”

The group also appealed to government to prevent a re-occurrence of non- release of funds to the victims of the 2012 flood, which ravaged some states in the country.

“The flood affected many Nigerians, who were either killed, displaced or their properties destroyed. To ameliorate the plight of victims government released the sum of N18 billion and also mobilised Nigerians to contribute to the course, but up till date, many communities are yet to get the money.”

NCICC, therefore, urged government to ensure that the funds reach those that need them and also to clarify the legal status of CVSF and its relationship with SVTF envisaged in the bill currently before the National Assembly.

It also called on the in-coming administration to ensure that the proposed marshal plan for North East Nigeria includes issues relating to accountability for crimes committed by Boko Haram, Nigerian soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.