Nigerian leader orders probe of human rights abuse in IDP camps

Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a quick investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse and exploitation of women and girls in camps for internally displaced people (IDP) by Boko Haram's insurgency in the West African country.

Buhari, shocked and worried by a recently released Human Rights Watch (HRW) report alleging human rights abuse in the camps, ordered the country's police chief and governors of states playing host to the displaced people to investigate the allegation, according to a presidency statement released on Monday.

"The welfare of these most vulnerable of Nigerian citizens has been a priority of his government. Nigerians and the international community can rest assured that the allegations raised in the HRW are not being taken lightly," the statement said.

In its latest report, the Human Rights Watch said it documented sexual abuse, including rape and exploitation, of 43 women and girls living in seven internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The presidency statement said findings of those asked to investigate the allegation will determine the next course of action for the government and define an appropriate response.

Nigeria's government said it will do its best to ensure the protection and welfare of the displaced people, while the military continues to work hard to rout Boko Haram from the country's northeast region in order for the victims to return safely to their homes. Endit