Editor's note: This statement was drafted and issued by members of the Nigeria International NGO Forum, of which Action Against Hunger is a member.

The Nigeria International NGO Forum regrets the tragic accident that led to the death and injury of civilians and aid workers in a bombing of a camp by the Nigerian military on 17 January 2017 in Rann, Kala/Balge LGA, a newly accessible area in northeast of Nigeria. In the same vein, we commiserate with the people of Borno State and the affected families. It is unacceptable that vulnerable people who fled the horrors of war and are suffering from extreme levels of hunger and malnutrition were killed and injured in the very place that they thought they would be safe.

We welcome the commencement of an investigation by the Nigerian Government and urge them to make the findings public. We call on the Government to continue to step up efforts to protect civilians and aid workers. Millions of people in the north east of Nigeria are facing a grave humanitarian crisis. We must ensure that they are able to urgently access humanitarian aid safely.

Members of the Nigeria International Non-governmental Organisations (INGOs) Forum continue to work in North-eastern Nigeria providing urgently needed food, water, shelter and medical care to people. Yesterday's events impact the entire humanitarian community in Nigeria and highlight the very real danger of providing assistance in a war zone.

Signed,
Members of Nigeria International NGO Forum