Nine casual workers have been murdered in the Mogadishu village of Hawa Abdi, authorities have confirmed.
The nine were part of a group of laborers working on a project that the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has funded.
Over 20 of their colleagues suffered multiple injuries. They are currently receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities.
Reports indicate that Al-Shabaab is responsible for the deaths and injuries of the workers.
Ukro Boron Service Agency hired the workers on behalf of UNMAS to work on the project.
The agency has come under heavy criticism for hiring and posting the workers in a dangerous area without providing them with compensation or ample security.
One of the workers identified as Adnan Adan said they had received multiple warnings and threats from Al-Shabaab.
He said they informed the agency’s management the warnings but nothing was ever done to make them safe and secure.
