The United Nations says the use of child fighters and child
bombers by Boko Haram constitutes war crime and crime against
humanity. The world body also said the insurgents have used 140 children
mostly girls in series of attacks including suicide bombing in the volatile
northeast States.
Unicef Country Representative and UN Country Task Force
representative, Mohammed Fall disclosed in Maiduguri, Borno State Friday during
the signing of Action Plan regarding Children Associated with Civilian JTF that
the figure of child fighters or bombers used by the insurgents swell to 80 this
year.
“From our record, 140 children mostly girls have been used
by Boko Haram in the northeast in the last three years. It is war crime and
crime against humanity. Boko Haram should stop recruiting and using children
for attack especially suicide bombing,” Fall said.
He also told newsmen the body responsible for war crimes
charges at the U.N. headquarters should take up the allegation against Boko
Haram.
He said United Nations signed the Action Plan with Civilian
JTF to ensure children are protected in the violent-torn northeast some. He
said the signing of the Action Plan would remove the name of the
volunteers group from the lists of armed fighters using children in their
activities.
CJTF legal adviser, Jibrin Gunda said the volunteer group
has set age limit for its members since its debut in 2013. “The age limit of
anybody who wish to join CJTF is 18 years. No child is accommodated in the
group and all efforts have been taken to ensure no child is allowed,” he
explained.
By Timothy Olanrewaju
