UNICEF donates WASH and dignity kits to support victims of the deadly Woro community attack in Kwara State, Nigeria

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and dignity kits to the Kwara State Government to support residents of Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area following a deadly attack on the town.

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The humanitarian items were handed over on Saturday at the office of the Kwara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency in Ilorin as part of ongoing efforts to provide relief for affected residents.

On February 3, terrorists riding motorcycles reportedly stormed Woro community around 6 p.m., firing indiscriminately and setting houses ablaze.

At least 160 residents were killed in the attack, while more than 160 others were abducted.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Secretary of the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency, Saadu Magaji, said the intervention would significantly assist victims of the incident.

Magaji noted that the state government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, had taken prompt steps to support the affected community.

“The items donated by UNICEF will go a long way in providing relief for the people of Woro. We appreciate UNICEF for this timely intervention and continued support to the state,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Yunusa Usman, described the donation as commendable, noting that the items would help address some of the immediate needs of the affected residents.

“This intervention is very laudable. While it may not eliminate the grief the affected people are going through, it will certainly provide succour and address some of their immediate needs through the WASH and dignity kits,” Usman said.

He also urged individuals, non-governmental organisations and international partners to support the state in tackling humanitarian challenges.

According to him, the open-door policy of the present administration has strengthened partnerships with international development organisations.

“Before the present administration came on board, many international organisations were not actively operating in the state.

“However, the open-door policy of Governor AbdulRazaq has encouraged organisations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization to collaborate with the state in advancing development programmes,” he added.

Earlier, the Chief of Field Office for UNICEF in Kaduna, Gerida Birukila, said the agency intervened after observing the level of trauma experienced by residents of the Woro community.

Birukila commended the state government and security agencies for their efforts in restoring calm in the area.

“We saw the trauma the people of Woro are going through and realised they needed urgent support.

We are grateful that government and security forces have now established a presence, which is helping restore confidence among residents,” she said.

She disclosed that UNICEF had provided 400 dignity kits for the community and that another 1,000 kits would arrive in the coming weeks to support more residents.

According to her, the kits contain essential items such as sanitary pads, water treatment materials, water storage containers and other hygiene supplies designed to improve sanitation and access to safe water.

Birukila added that UNICEF had also supported the community with health services and facilities to cater for the needs of affected residents.

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The General Manager of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Olufemi, also commended UNICEF for the intervention and called for sustained support for vulnerable communities in the state.