Nigerians flee across Cameroon border, ‘too traumatized to return’ for now

Some 35,000 people have fled across the Nigerian border to Goura, in Cameroon, during the last two weeks of January, after Boko Haram extremists attacked the town of Rann multiple times.

“They came and killed many people and set the town alight.” Hebibi Toudjum fled Rann in north-east Nigeria and is now living in Goura, safe – for now - from Boko Haram.

The UN and its humanitarian partners have been providing basic services including food, water, shelter and health care to the Nigerian refugees.

The refugees are living in very basic conditions with rudimentary shelters to protect themselves from the Sahelian sun. The UN has appealed for more humanitarian aid so that essential food and water supplies can be provided to the refugees.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cameroon, Allegra Baiocchi, who visited Goura on Friday, said the refugees had no choice but to flee their homes. “This is where they need to be now if they want to stay alive.”