By Chioma Iruke
A French based non-governmental Organisation, ACTED has been suspended from humanitarian activities in Borno State, North-east Nigeria.
The Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum said the French-based aid agency was suspended for conducting shooting training for some people in the state.
The hotel used for the training was also sealed pending the outcome of a police investigation.
Recall that Borno State is the epicenter of insurgency in Nigeria which has claimed at least 350,000 lives including women and children, according to the United Nations.
A statement by the spokesperson to the governor Isa Gusau said residents alerted the police to gunshots at the hotel used for the training in Maiduguri.
Police found ACTED using toy guns and simulators in training that involved some Nigerians, the statement said.
“Residents near the hotel had reported to officials that they were hearing sounds of gunshots from the hotel, following which government officials reported the matter to GRA Divisional Police Headquarters which oversees the hotel’s location.
“The police found some toy pistols at the hotel while two trainers, both Nigerians, were at the police station with investigation going on,” part of the statement, obtained on Borno State Governor’s page on Facebook said.
The statement said the governor acknowledged and appreciated the roles of credible organizations which had been providing critical humanitarian interventions in different parts of the state.
He also assured them of the government’s continued cooperation and support while charging them to abide by laws, policies and rules guiding all their activities and actions across the state.
