Humanitarian workers: 285 killed in service in 2024

Two hundred and eighty-five humanitarian workers in different parts of the world were killed in 2024 while carrying out their work.

Mr Asukwo Etuk, the Divisional Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society, said this on Tuesday in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area during the 2025 World Humanitarian Day, which was organised by the Red Cross Society.

According to him, the Red Cross Movement is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. He added that in Ibesikpo Asutan, the society has been focusing on disaster preparedness, first aid services, healthcare, community service initiatives, and emergency response strategies to support individuals and communities in need.

He stated that they have over 300 active volunteers on their database, noting that these individuals are the real heroes of humanity.

He said the theme for 2025 Humanitarian Day is: “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities.”

Asukwo said the theme seeks to encourage global solidarity, reminding everyone within the global village of the shared obligation to support those in need.

“Today, we pay tribute to 285 humanitarian workers across the world who lost their lives in the course of their work in 2024,” he said.

He also thanked their teaming volunteers and others who are working for the welfare of humanity, for their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.

He said: “Within this year, more than 200 individuals were trained as part of our commitment to raising at least one first aider per family in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA. 20 accident victims were supported with life-saving first aid, and 10 pints of blood were donated by volunteers to save lives

“We raised awareness across our communities in MPOX and routinely supported the National Immunisation activities. Red Cross Mother Club in Afaha Ikot Obio, Afaha Udo Eyop and Ikot Akpan Ndua have continued to build community resilience through community mobilisation, vocational training for mothers, health awareness and village saving scheme.

“Our Ebiye’s Haven Detachment and Nung Udoe Detachment have continued to train volunteers as part of the mandate of raising able-bodied individuals to respond in the event of emergencies.”

Bassey Ibokette, who was a keynote speaker, talked on emergency preparedness and effective emergency response in Ibesiko Asutan LGA.

Speaking, he said the theme for World Humanitarian Day 2025 is “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities.” He noted that they were not too far from the theme of the Red Cross for 2025, which he said is “Humanity in Action.”

He explained that the thrust of the World Humanitarian Day is to commemorate the work of humanitarian workers, their sacrifices (even in death) and raise awareness on the work of humanitarian workers – celebrate them for their bravery, dedication and sacrifices.

Ibokette said the 21st century has seen a dramatic increase in the frequency, scale, and complexity of emergencies – from natural disasters due to climate and activities of man such as desertification, flooding and windstorms to industrial accidents, public health crises (like the COVID-19 pandemic), building collapses, fires, and security-related threats like wars, communal crisis and other unrests like the ubiquitous ‘unknown gunmen’ crisis.

He, however, urged the indigenes to continually desilt gutters, avoid blocking waterways, acquire and place fire extinguishers in homes and offices, and check sockets to prevent disasters.

Chairman of Ibesikpo Asustan, Mr Edidiong Inyang, who was represented by his Vice, Mrs Goodness Obot, promised to communicate all that had happened during the event to the chairman.

The advice includes keeping the environment clean, desilting gutters, and getting fire extinguishers.