News

30,000 people flee Nigeria to Niger over unrest- UNHCR

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 02:43 pm

More than 30,000 Nigerians have fled to Niger’s Maradi region in the past two months, the UN Refugee Agency has said.

This follows an increase in the number of attacks by armed groups in north-western Nigeria.

“They came around 3:00 pm and started killing people. It went on until the sunset prayer. People were fleeing in all directions. We still don’t know what happened to some of the villagers”, Maigari Abara, Gangara Village Chief said.

In Nigerian refugee Habsou said “Labour was triggered by running away, stress and fear. The suffering was too much, she didn’t survive. When I found her, the child was moving but my sister was already dead.”

The UNHCR said those who fled were allowed to seek refugee in Niger despite border closures to curb the covid-19 outbreak. Syldie Bizimana is the Protection Officer with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

“In the border villages, the host villages, we could not ensure the protection of these people, the management of protection cases, the follow-up of children, the follow-up of women, all the aspects of protection. It was really very difficult. Here, in the villages of opportunity, it will be really very easy with all the partners who are already working on the sites”, Bizimana said.

According to the global refugee body, refugees spoke of extreme violence unleashed against civilians, murders, kidnappings for ransom and looting of villages, particularly targeting children and women.

It also said the latest exodus has increased the number of people fleeing Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina states of Nigeria into Niger to 70,000 people.

(AP)

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

Kenya Launches Official Probe intoUgandan Leader’s Alleged Kidnapping

The government of Kenya announced that it is looking into the suspected kidnapping ofKizza Besigye, a well-known opposition politician from…

November 22, 2024

At least 7 members of the Nigerian security forces are missing after insurgentsambushed their convoy

A team of 80 security agents tasked with protecting the electricity grid was ambushed onMonday in Shiroro, Niger State, by…

November 21, 2024

Cryptocurrency Gains Momentum inAfrica Amid Global Shifts in Trump’sElection

Cryptocurrency becomes the new thing in Africa. People shift for stable alternatives aftertheir unstable local currencies. Many people believe Donald…

November 21, 2024

UAE Delivers Lifeline: 30,000 Food BasketsBring Hope to Sudanese Refugees in Uganda

UAE has also distributed 30,000 food baskets to Sudanese refugees in Kiryandongo refugeecamp Uganda to benefit nearly 100,000 affected people.Aid…

November 21, 2024

Turkey wants to increase its trade with Africa to 50 billion dollars

The trade volume between Türkiye and 54 African countries has grown sevenfold, reaching $37 billion from 2003 to 2023, Yılmaz…

November 20, 2024

Tanzania, Botswana, and Mozambique Secure Spots in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

The final round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches was held this week with Tanzania, Botswana and…

November 20, 2024

This website uses cookies.