Red Cross denies backing armed groups in northern Nigeria

n n

Nigeria Red Cross denies backing any political party or candidate ahead of Anambra governorship poll.

n

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) have refuted claims circulating on social media.

n

The claims allege that the Red Cross is providing support to armed groups in Northern Nigeria.

n

The organisations described the claims as false and misleading.

n

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Chima Nwankwo, Head of Communications for the NRCS, on Monday in Abuja.

n

“The ICRC and NRCS are aware of harmful social media content claiming that the Red Cross is supporting armed groups in Northern Nigeria.

n

“Both organisations categorically refute these claims, which are false,” Nwankwo said.

n

He said that the allegations contradicted the fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and risk undermining its humanitarian mission.

n

“Such misleading information can jeopardise our purely humanitarian work and deny thousands of vulnerable people access to vital aid,” he added.

n

Nwankwo explained that the organisations’ priority was to assist the most vulnerable people affected by crises, including armed conflict, while maintaining transparency, independence, neutrality and impartiality.

n

He further stated that, in carrying out its mandate, the ICRC engaged in humanitarian dialogue with all parties to a conflict where necessary.

n

“The organisation never provides any party with financial, logistical or other forms of support,” he said.

n

He also urged the public to verify information before sharing it to prevent the spread of misinformation.

n

(NAN)

n n