ADVERTISEMENT

9 million people affected by insurgency — US

The disclosure was made by the Director of the US Office of Assistance for Africa Bureau of Population, Margaret McKelvey to Punch.

Boko Haram

The disclosure was made by the Director of the US Office of Assistance for Africa Bureau of Population, Margaret McKelvey to Punch.

“I do want to call your attention to and highlight in particular, the situation of Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin countries. This has been called one of the most under-reported crises in the world today,” she said.

“We are talking about nine million people actually directly affected by Boko Haram and its depredations across the four countries. So, being registered, having a recognised identity, having documentation can be very important in proving who you are and the fact that you exist.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We like to see birth registrations for refugee children for example. On the total number of refugees that are being counted today in the Lake Chad Basin area would be just under 155, 000. In addition, there are just over 77, 000 people who had been living in Nigeria but of Chadian, Nigerian and Cameroonian background who returned to their home countries. So, those people we call returnees.

“Now the really big numbers are the IDPs and most of those are in Nigeria itself; just over two million — maybe I shouldn’t say just over, approaching 2.1 million. There are also people who have been internally displaced in the other three countries by Boko Haram attacks. So, on the Cameroon side, we have close to 191,000; on the Chad side, close to 112,000 and on the Niger side, 167,000.  So, hopefully that answers your questions about the numbers.

“Boko Haram has attacked IDP camps inside Nigeria. They have attacked villages, most recently in Niger, uprooting another 100,000 people, being secondarily uprooted if you will. So, having secured access to be able to bring in humanitarian supplies and to reach the people in need is clearly the number one challenge,” she added.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has likened the food crisis in Nigeria’s North-East to the situation in Darfur, South Sudan.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT