Victims
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensure that victims of terrorism get justice.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, gave the assurance at the launch of the Model Legal Provisions (MLP) for Victims of Terrorism at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), on Wednesday in Abuja.
The minister was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Babadoko.
He said the event marked a significant step forward in the collective efforts to address the needs and rights of victims and survivors of terrorism.
According to him, Nigeria has been at the forefront of the global fight against terrorism.
“We have witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of terrorist attacks, which not only claim lives but also leave lasting scars on individuals, families, and communities.
“As Government, we recognise the importance of addressing the needs of victims, as the scourge of terrorism has cast a long shadow over the nation, leaving behind a trail of suffering, loss, and trauma.
“It is therefore imperative that we not only combat terrorism but also provide comprehensive support to its victims.
“As the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, I am committed to ensuring that the rights of victims are upheld and that justice is served,’’ he said.
Fagbemi said the government had taken significant strides in recent years to enhance its counterterrorism efforts like the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022, with its provisions for the Victim Support Trust Fund.
According to him, Section 91 of the Act establishes the Victim Support Trust Fund, which aims to provide financial assistance and other forms of support to victims of terrorism.
He added that Section 92 of the Act made provision for establishing the Trust Fund Committee for the purpose of administering the fund.
He gave assurance of his office’s commitment, as the custodian of the law, to ensuring the effective implementation of those provisions and the Model Legal Provisions.
“Today, we gather to launch a technical assistance project aimed at implementing Model Legal Provisions for Victims of Terrorism.
“We are confident that this technical assistance project will play a pivotal role in building the capacity of our legal and judicial institutions to effectively apply these provisions.
“By adopting and implementing these provisions, we will ensure that victims receive the necessary support, compensation, and rehabilitation they need to rebuild their lives,’’ he added.
The National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said that Nigeria had borne witness to the extreme consequences of terrorism since 2009, with women, children, and youth disproportionately affected over the years.
Laka said that children had been abducted and forcibly trained to fight, young girls used in suicide missions and exploited as sex slaves, and survivors left with deep scars of trauma and stigmatisation.
According to him, these tragic events have shattered families and left entire communities grappling with fear, loss, and a deep sense of insecurity.
“Beyond the immediate victims, the ripple effects are felt in the displacement of populations, the disruption of education, and the breakdown of social cohesion.
“Against this backdrop, today’s launch of the MLP Project to support the needs and protect the rights of victims and survivors of terrorism marks a significant step forward,’’ he said.
Laka said the project was aimed at building Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute terrorist offences, while ensuring robust support for victims. (NAN)
