In a statement,
UNICEF said while 55 were girls, mostly under the age of 15 years old, 27 were
boys, and one was a baby strapped to a girl.
It said the use
of children in such attacks has created suspicion and fear of children who have
been released, rescued or escaped from Boko Haram captivity.
It said many
children who have managed to get away from captivity face rejection when they
try to reintegrate into their communities.
“Since January
1, 2017, 83 children have been used as ‘human bombs’; 55 were girls, most often
under 15 years old; 27 were boys, and one was a baby strapped to a girl. The
sex of the baby used in the explosion was impossible to determine,” the
statement read.
“The use of
children in this way is an atrocity. Children used as ‘human bombs’ are, above
all, victims, not perpetrators.
“The armed group
commonly known as Boko Haram has sometimes, but not always, claimed
responsibility for these attacks, which target the civilian population.
“The use of
children in such attacks has had a further impact of creating suspicion and
fear of children who have been released, rescued or escaped from Boko Haram.
“As a result,
many children who have managed to get away from captivity face rejection when
they try to reintegrate into their communities, compounding their suffering.
“All of this is
taking place in the context of a massive displacement and malnutrition crisis –
a combination that is also deadly for children.”
UNICEF said it
is providing psychosocial support for children who have been held by Boko Haram
and is also working with families and communities to foster the acceptance of
children when they return.
“This includes
providing social and economic reintegration support to the children and their
families,” it read.
“UNICEF also
supports reconciliation activities in north-east Nigeria, led by respected
community and religious leaders, including influential women, to help promote
tolerance, acceptance, and reintegration.”
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Source: thecable.ng
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