We are Concerned About Deteriorating Security Inside Nigeria – UN Refugee Agency

The United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHR), said it is worried over deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.

UNHCR spokesperson, Babar Baloch who spoke during a press briefing in Geneva on Tuesday said more than 60,000 people has fled the northern part of the country to neighbouring Niger Republic since April 2019.

“Since April 2019, people have fled relentless attacks by armed groups in the Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina states of Nigeria. Most found refuge in Niger’s Maradi region.

“Fearing and fleeing the same insecurity in the border areas, an additional 19,000 Niger nationals have become displaced inside their own country.

“UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is concerned about deteriorating security inside Nigeria and the risk of armed incursions spilling over into Niger.

“The latest influx of refugees, mainly desperate women and children, follows attacks in Nigeria’s Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states during the month of April. Several villages in several local government areas were attacked by gunmen. The deadliest attack claimed 47 lives in Kankara, Danmusa and Dusin-ma local government areas in Katsina State and prompted airstrikes by the Nigerian Armed Forces,” UNHCR said.

“New arrivals are in urgent need of water, food and access to health services, as well as shelter and clothing. Many were barely able to carry anything in the rush to save lives.

“Many have also been caught up in the clashes reported being blamed on farmers and herders of different ethnic groups as well as vigilantism. Some 95 per cent of the refugees have come from Nigeria’s Sokoto state, rest from Kano, Zamfara and Katsina states” Baloch added.