UN agencies mount response to help thousands in Nigeria displaced by violence

Following a spate of sectarian clashes that have reportedly left 500 people dead and displaced some 50,000 others in central Nigeria, United Nations humanitarian agencies are rushing aid to terrified families that have sought safety in the Bauchi and Nassarawa State areas.

After a just-completed joint UN and Nigerian Government assessment revealed urgent needs for food, water, health care, and grants for income-generating activities in and around Bauchi and Nassarawa, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has provided some health kits, medicines, food items and chlorine powder.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has mobilized $50,000 for supporting the humanitarian operations. The assessment also revealed that internally displaced persons (IDPs) need enough tents for some 5,000 families, roofing supplies for temporary houses, blankets, mats and education programmes for displaced children.

The Government's emergency management agency has provided food, blankets and other supplies to assist the Bauchi State government, while the Nigerian Red Cross Society has provided food, mats, blankets, medical care, drugs, volunteers, and assisted with data collection.