A nightmare continues to unfold in Nigeria’s Northwest. A new report from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) paints a grim picture, revealing that brutal attacks by bandit-terrorists have forced at least 10,000 residents from their homes in Zamfara and Sokoto states over the past two months. The violence has also left a horrifying trail of death, with 92 civilians reportedly killed by the bandits between March and April.
The IRC, a humanitarian organization on the ground, is deeply troubled by the escalating conflict. Displaced families are left in dire situations, often seeking refuge in exposed areas with minimal resources. Access to basic necessities such as clean water, sanitation, and medical care is severely limited.
The report, published by Peoples Gazette, sheds light on the plight of women and children, who are particularly vulnerable during these attacks. A significant portion of the displaced population belongs to these groups, putting them at a heightened risk of violence and exploitation.
“We are appalled by the brutal attacks on civilian men, women and children, which is yet another reminder of the violence that has become unacceptably common in northwest Nigeria,” said Babatunde Ojei, Country Director for the IRC in Nigeria, while commenting on the attacks.
Banditry, kidnappings, and clashes between armed groups have become a constant threat in northwest Nigeria. The violence in Zamfara and Sokoto is merely a grim chapter in this ongoing story of instability.
With the situation growing increasingly desperate, the IRC is calling for immediate humanitarian intervention. “Urgent humanitarian assistance is needed to meet the basic needs of these communities, namely water and sanitation, health, and protection services,” the IRC said in its press release.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
