MSF Warns Of Humanitarian Crisis In Northwest Nigeria
Muhammad Irfan Published June 03, 2021 | 05:40 PM
Abuja, June 3 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jun, 2021 ) :Rising violence in northwest Nigeria's Zamfara state is stoking a humanitarian crisis, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said Thursday.
The region has struggled with decades-long communal clashes over resources but more recently some groups have become more violent, looting, stealing and kidnapping for ransom, and people are fleeing to areas where aid groups are struggling to respond.
In a statement, MSF said it had already treated 10,300 children in Zamfara between January and April for severe acute malnutrition, measles, malaria and other conditions.
"This is 54 percent higher than in the same period last year," said an MSF doctor, Godwin Emudanohwo.
"People here need food, safe water and vaccinations now," said Emudanohwo.
"Families tell us they won't be able to farm for the new season, which means a new cycle of hunger." Nearly 700,000 people were internally displaced in northwest and north central Nigeria in February, including more than 124,000 in Zamfara alone, according to the UN's migration agency IOM.
The authorities are struggling to respond in a region that has already recorded the highest poverty rate in Nigeria, the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank said in a report.
"As of 2019, all seven states in the zone had poverty levels above the national average... Millions lack access to basic health care and clean water, and immunisation coverage is far below national goals," it said.
In Zamfara state, criminal gangs known locally as bandits have set up camps in Rugu forest, which they use as a springboard for attacks in neighbouring Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger states.
Security forces, who are also battling a more than decade-long jihadist insurgency in the northeast of the country, are being stretched thin.
As violence spirals in the northwest, sexual violence has intensified, MSF said, as gunmen assault some of their kidnapped victims.
Fear of travelling along dangerous roads means that rape survivors often seek support late, or not at all, the aid group added.
"What is happening here is a humanitarian emergency that needs urgent attention and a fast and proper response,"said Froukje Pelsma, MSF head of mission in Nigeria.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PTI to stage nationwide protests against alleged electoral frauds
Senate continues discussion on Presidential address to Joint Sitting of Parliame ..
Masood Khan calls for Pak-US cooperation for regional peace
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
4 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
4 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
4 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
11 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago