International Rescue Committee (IRC) warns of urgent need for humanitarian assistance for 10,000 people displaced by conflict in Northwest Nigeria in the last two months.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has raised concerns over the escalating insecurity in northwest Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara and Sokoto states, where armed attacks have displaced over 10,000 people and claimed the lives of at least 92 individuals in March and April. The situation has also led to numerous kidnappings, leaving many families devastated and in urgent need of assistance.

With more than half of those affected being women, there is a heightened risk of exploitation and abuse in these vulnerable communities. The lack of basic necessities such as water, sanitation, health services, and protection further exacerbates the dire situation faced by the displaced population.

Babatunde Ojei, Country Director for the IRC in Nigeria, expressed shock and dismay at the brutal attacks on civilians, emphasizing the need for all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to humanitarian laws. The ongoing crisis in the northcentral and northwest regions of Nigeria, fueled by ethnic and religious tensions, has led to widespread displacement and a surge in criminal activities like kidnappings and thefts.

The IRC, which has been operating in Nigeria since 2012, is actively providing essential services in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states. Their interventions include primary healthcare, nutrition support, educational programs, women’s empowerment initiatives, water and sanitation projects, and economic recovery programs to assist those affected by the crisis.

As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in northwest Nigeria, the IRC and its partners are calling for immediate action to address the urgent needs of the displaced population and ensure their safety and well-being.