Dec. 14, 2022

The United Nations has provided humanitarian support to over three million people affected by insurgency in the North East in 2022, its Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mattias Schmale, has said.

Schmale who made this know on Wednesday in Maiduguri while speaking to newsmen, said over eight million people affected by the more than a decade old conflict were in need of humanitarian aid in the region.

According to him, 2.2 million of those affected were displaced and living in camps and  communities, while the 2022 flood has further worsened the plight of the people.

The humanitarian coordinator said they had commenced preparation of 2023 intervention which could reach up to five million people, depending on available resources.

“We are thinking of how we can work with others including government support for the many people displaced by the conflict.

“We are worried about nutrition and this year is over 300, 000 children that were at risk of acute malnutrition. Next year is 370, 000 children.

“Significant challenges remain and that’s why we as humanitarian community are planning to work for at least another two years,” Schmale said.

The humanitarian coordinator was in Borno for meetings with UN agencies and NGOs to review progress of UN humanitarian interventions in the North East.

Schmale who held meeting with Borno Deputy Governor, also visited some areas of UN activities in Borno. (NAN)