A US-based international humanitarian organisation has strongly condemned the abduction of a team of its workers in Ngala, a town in the northeastern Nigerian state of Borno.
The abducted individuals, three staff members and two security guards, were working for FHI 360, an organisation that provides lifesaving medical care in Nigeria.
In a statement, FHI 360’s country director, Iorwakwagh Apera, said they had “extreme concern” for the well-being of the abducted staff members and called for their immediate and safe return.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the abduction of three staff members and two contractors in Ngala, Nigeria,” Apera said.
“We are extremely concerned for our colleagues and call for their unconditional, immediate and safe return.”
The identities of those kidnapped has not been released.
The abduction of the five humanitarian workers is the first kidnapping in Borno since June 2022. It had been felt that the government was making gains against the terrorist groups waging the 14-year-old conflict.
FHI 360, the organisation formerly known as Family Health International, has been working in northeast Nigeria since 2016.
“Our priority at this time is to support our team and their families. We are not able to share any further information,” Apera said.
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