ICRC treats 41 victims of Gwoza bomb blast, frowns attack on civilians 

From Umar Dankano, Yola

The International Committee of the Red Cross,ICRC has treated 41 wounded victims of the multiple bomb blast that claimed many lives in Gwoza of Borno state.

In a press release issued by Mr.Aliyu Dawobe of the public relations Unit of the ICRC Wednesday indicates that ICRC surgical team is actively supporting the Maiduguri Hospital and that 41 wounded people after multiple blasts in Gwoza have been treated and still treating more.

According to the release, the surgical team of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) supported the State Specialist Hospital of Maiduguri in performing lifesaving surgeries  and in providing emergency treatment for people who were critically injured during the blasts in the town of Gwoza in the north-east. 

“41 patients, including children and women, arrived in Maiduguri Hospital between Saturday and Sunday, some continue to receive the needed care. The ICRC has also provided medical drugs and consumables to support the hospital’s emergency response.
 
“It is heart wrenching to see civilians killed and wounded,” said Diana Japaridze the deputy head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Maiduguri. “We strongly remind to all those involved in the fighting that civilians, especially children and women must be spared, and that hospitals must be sanctuaries of life, not scenes of deadly violence. 
 
“Indiscriminate attacks and attacks targeting civilians are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law. Healthcare facilities and personnel are also protected and must not be attacked.  

“Attacks against hospitals have devastating humanitarian consequences, as these facilities are the only lifeline for sick and wounded.   
 
 “We will continue our support for the civilians who are bearing the brunt of more than a decade of armed conflict including those displaced and injured”. Ms. Japaridze added.