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Positive Steps Taken in Defense of Boko Haram Victims »  Photo © 2016 Getty Images Government officials and other authorities in Nigeria have raped and sexually exploited women and girls displaced by the conflict with Boko Haram and who are living in camps, Human Rights Watch said in a report this week. “It is bad enough that these women and girls are not getting much-needed support for the horrific trauma they suffered at the hands of Boko Haram,” said Mausi Segun, senior Nigeria researcher. “It is disgraceful and outrageous that people who should protect these women and girls are attacking and abusing them. Four of the victims said they were drugged and raped, while 37 were coerced into sex through false marriage promises and material and financial assistance. Many of those coerced into sex said they were abandoned if they became pregnant. They and their children have suffered discrimination, abuse, and stigmatization from other camp residents. Eight of the victims said they were previously abducted by Boko Haram fighters and forced into marriage. Nigerian President Pledged Investigation Following the report release, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari said he has ordered an immediate investigation in to the findings, tweeting that he found the report “very distressing” and would not take the allegations lightly. This positive step should be followed by concrete actions.
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