Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – The United Nations (UN) has raised concerns over the risk of famine in the northeast of Nigeria. The UN said that at least $396 million is urgently required to prevent widespread hunger and malnutrition in the region from turning into a “real disaster.”
The situation is dire in northeastern Nigeria, with an estimated 4.4 million people facing severe food insecurity, including 775,000 children who could die from severe malnutrition this year. Poor harvests, high food prices, and ongoing violence by extremist groups have left millions of people struggling to survive.
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), the situation in northeast Nigeria is the most severe food crisis in the world. “The crisis is worsening every day, and we need to act now to prevent a hunger catastrophe,” said Christy Feig, spokesperson for WFP.
The UN has warned that the situation could deteriorate further, with the risk of famine increasing due to a lack of funding. “We are running out of time to save lives,” said Edward Kallon, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria.
Kallon called on the international community to provide “immediate and sustained” support to the millions of people affected by the crisis. “We need action, not words,” he said.
The Nigerian government has also been urged to do more to assist those in need. “The government must take urgent action to address the root causes of the crisis, including poverty, unemployment, and conflict,” said Feig.
The UN has pledged to continue working with partners to provide assistance to people in the northeast of Nigeria. However, without additional funding, it may be impossible to prevent a famine from occurring.
In conclusion, the UN warning of the risk of famine in the northeast of Nigeria has highlighted the urgent need for immediate support from the international community. The situation is dire, and millions of people are at risk of starvation. It is crucial that all stakeholders work together to provide assistance to those in need and address the root causes of the crisis to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
