A United Nations entity said while the rescue of women and children from the Boko Haram was welcome, this should not get the country carried away to the extent of the ongoing violations against these vulnerable members of the community.

“The release of women and children held captive by Boko Haram in Nigeria is welcome news, yet we mustn’t forget that women and children bear the brunt of this relentless violence in neighbouring countries as well,” said Denise Brown, WFP Regional Director for West Africa.

She said the women and children were vulnerable to impending hunger. “Women displaced by conflict have lost their husbands, walked for days to safety and rely on the support of already vulnerable communities. The lean season is upon us, and as local granaries are emptying, women tell of their families going hungry,” Brown added.

Brown’s sentiments come in the wake of the military rescuing hundreds of women and children from the Sambisa Forest, a stronghold of the Boko Haram terrorists.

Credit: CAJ News