Nigeria: Red Cross assists victims of violent clashes in Niger Delta
14-12-2010 News Release 10/229
Geneva/Abuja (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society are providing protection and assistance for people affected by the violent clashes between Nigerian security forces and the John Togo group in Warri, Delta state, and neighbouring communities.
"During the operations in Ayokoromor, in Burutu Local Government Area, thousands of villagers fled their homes to seek refuge in swamps and creeks," said Mamadou Sow, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Port Harcourt. "Among them were many women and children. Later, most of them found their way to nearby communities."
A Red Cross team, made up of ICRC staff from the Port Harcourt sub-delegation and Nigerian Red Cross volunteers from Delta state, went to the area to assist victims of the armed violence. In Ayokoromor, some displaced villagers had gathered in a primary-school compound after a number of their houses were destroyed.
The Red Cross personnel administered first aid to 18 people and transferred two people with weapon-related injuries to Warri General Hospital. In addition, they distributed food and other items. The Red Cross also made available a satellite telephone to enable people to contact family members from whom they had been separated, and reunited four children with their families.
The Red Cross recruited two local doctors, set up clinics and distributed basic drugs to Ogbe’Ijaw General Hospital, mainly for the treatment of women and children who took refuge in that community. As a result of these actions, more than 550 displaced people and some soldiers were able to receive care.
"For the sake of communities that are or could be affected by the crisis, we will remain on the ground and pursue a constructive dialogue with the armed forces and others," said Mr Sow.
For further information, please contact:
Robin Waudo, ICRC Abuja, tel: tel. +234 703 595 4168 or +234 9 461 9613 / 4 / 5
Steven Anderson, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 22 730 20 11 or +41 79 536 92 50
