 |
Dates
are traditionally used to break the Ramadan fast. AFP
|
Nigeria has apologized to
Saudi Arabia after 200 tonnes of dates that were a Ramadan gift were found on
sale in local markets.
BBC
News report continues:
Dates
are traditionally the first things Muslims eat when they break the Ramadan fast
each evening.
The
dates were intended for some of those who have fled their homes because of the
Boko Haram Islamist insurgency.
Nigeria's
foreign ministry said an investigation was under way. However, no arrests have
yet been made.
The apology was made by the Nigerian foreign ministry, which stressed it had no responsibility for the dates after they had been distributed in the north-east of the country, which has been worst hit by Boko Haram attacks.
Nigeria To
Investigate How Date Fruits From Saudi Found Way Into Markets
News
Agency of Nigeria reports that the Federal Government is to investigate how
some of the 200 tonnes of date fruits donated by the Kingdom of Saudi to
Nigerian Muslims found their way into the markets.
The
Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Khadijat Abba-Ibrahim, in a statement
apologised for the “unfortunate turn of events”.
“This
is not the spirit in which the 200 tonnes of dates was given,” she said.
The
minister expressed “disappointment” for the “unfortunate turn of events” and
said the matter was being investigated to avoid a repeat in the future.
She
explained that the fruits were distributed from a warehouse belonging to Royal
Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the presence of the Charge d’Affairs,
Yahya Mughram.
She
explained that the Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced
Person drew up the list of recipients which included IDPs camps as well as
prominent Mosques.
“It
is important to note that once the dates were delivered to their final
destinations the ministry of foreign affairs became devoid of any subsequent
responsibility.
“It
is therefore disappointing to learn that some of the consignment is being sold
for profit
“The Ministry apologizes unreservedly to the
government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this unfortunate turn
of events.
“We assure all that the
situation is being investigated to avoid a repeat in the future,” she said.
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