By Deborah Nnamdi
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has raised the alarm that young girls are being used in suicide missions and exploited as sex slaves by terrorist groups wreaking havoc in various parts of the country.
This is just as the United Nations sought the establishment of a trust fund for the victims of terrorism and violent extremism, saying it would help in empowering and supporting the victims and survivors.
The centre’s national coordinator, Adamu Laka, a major-general, disclosed this in Abuja at the launch of a Technical Assistance Project on promoting and supporting the rights and needs of terrorism victims through the implementation of the model legislative provisions.
“Our women, children, and youth have been disproportionately affected over the years. We have seen children abducted and forcibly trained to fight, young girls used in suicide missions and exploited as sex slaves, and survivors left with deep scars of trauma and stigmatization.
“Tragically, children born out of forced marriages often face rejection and isolation. The case of the Chibok girls and other similar abductions serve as grim reminders of the enduring impact of terrorism on our society.
“These tragic events have shattered families and left entire communities grappling with fear, loss, and a deep sense of insecurity.
“Beyond the immediate victims, the ripple effects are felt in the displacement of populations, the disruption of education, and the breakdown of social cohesion.
“Against this backdrop, today’s launch of the Model Legislative Provisions Project to Support the Needs and Protect the Rights of Victims and Survivors of Terrorism marks a significant step forward.
“The Model Legislative Provisions reflects the strength of our partnership with the UNOCT and UNODC and aligns with our common vision of building Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute terrorist offences while ensuring robust support for victims,” the senior military officer said.
The Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, Mauro Miedico said, “The establishment of the Victims Trust Fund under the Terrorist Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022 is key to supporting victims and empowering survivors with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.”
The UN official also assured that the UN agency would partner with the Nigerian government to ensure that victims of terrorism are empowered.
