The UN migration agency says that over 55,000 people have been displaced in around two months in the Nigerian state of Borno due to ongoing violence. Refugee camps in the area have become congested, and the IOM says it doesn't have the resources to meet the needs of those who have been displaced.
A recent wave of violence in the state of Borno in northeastern Nigeria has led to the displacement of 55,417 people between December 1, 2018 and January 24, 2019, according to the latest data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The UN agency is responding to the emergency by distributing aid and supporting government partners to help the population deal with the situation.
Recent attacks
The IOM said in a statement that "the most recent attack on Rann town on 14 January forced another 30,000 people to flee. Since then, many are reported to have returned to Rann, following the re-establishment of security forces."
"Attacks in the Borno towns of Baga and attempted attacks in Monguno by non-state armed groups on 26 and 28 December 2018 prompted population movements into already congested camps in Maiduguri, the state capital. Others fled to camps in Monguno itself, as well as to the Konduga and Jere local government areas (LGAs) in December," it continued.
Crisis in NE Nigeria has displaced 1.8 m
The humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria has led to the displacement of 1.8 million people, almost 80% of whom are from the state of Borno. "I fled from my hometown because I was afraid there would be an attack. I walked to Monguno and then boarded a truck that took me to Gubio camp (Maiduguri) with my children," said Hauwa, a 50-year-old woman from Doro town in Baga. "Here I feel safe, but I am sleeping outside and with little food."
The UN agency said that these "population movements highlight the need for additional land in areas like Monguno to de-congest camps - either by opening new ones or expanding existing ones."
"Together with our humanitarian partners, we are providing assistance to new arrivals, but our current resources are not sufficient to meet the emerging needs," said Dave Bercasio, IOM Nigeria's Emergency Coordinator.
SOURCE: InfoMigrants
