The Humanitarian Catastrophe in Borno

Arecent report by the Belgium-based International Crisis Group, an independent advocacy organisation, paints a gloomy picture of life in Borno State, which the federal government should take seriously.

The report describes awful effects of the Boko Haram insurgency on the civilian populace, especially in the internally displaced persons’ camps, calling them “one of the worst humanitarian crisis of our time.”

Quite pathetically, ICG quotes the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which says about 244,000 children are suffering from acute malnutrition in Borno State while on average 134 die everyday from this condition.

In addition to the military response to the insurgency, the Nigerian government needs to devote appreciable resources to the welfare of the affected civilian populations. This is particularly in recognition of the fact that the principal purpose of the anti-terrorism war is to secure and preserve human life. – Vincent Obia

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