From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
A nongovernmental organisation for the protection of communities in conflict-affected areas, the Centre for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) has stressed the need to step up the safety and protection of civilian population in Borno State against the unexploded explosives.
The CIVIC’s Programme Team Lead, Saratu Pindar, while speaking at a four-day awareness training on safety with security operatives in Monguno, Borno’s town liberated from Boko Haram, said the protection of civilians ought to be a priority in the conflict zone.
“This programme is to support all the stakeholders in the security circle to make protection and safety of civilians against the threat of unexploded remnants of ordinances remain top priority in Monguno and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State.”
She explained that the training focuses on “identification and reporting of unexploded ordnance sightings,” fire safety and accident prevention, as well as other protection threats and risks.
“We are committed to empowering communities with the right knowledge and tools to mitigate these risks effectively,” she added.
The programme was organised in collaboration with another partner; Community Protection Committee (CPC).
Some communities in Borno have been experiencing explosions from remnants of mines abandoned or buried by the Boko Haram insurgents at the peak of insurgency.