Funds totaling about 4 Billion naira have been allocated to internally displaced persons in Nigeria’s North East by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria Mr Edward Kallon was quoted as saying nine billion dollars (about N3.2 billion) would be used to provide life-saving aid for some 60,000 displaced people across the region.

“Many have gone through unspeakable hardship and the UN and its partners remain committed to help alleviate their suffering.’

“This UN fund give us the flexibility to prioritise those who are most in need of aid and act swiftly for the good of the people of north-east Nigeria,” Kallon said.

“In the worst-affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, at least 7.7 million people are in need this year, with about 80 per cent, or 6.1 million, targeted for humanitarian assistance.

“The nine million dollars allocation will help fund 15 projects supporting humanitarian rapid response in areas affected by large-scale conflict-related displacements, particularly in the northern parts of Borno, along the Maiduguri-Monguno axis.

“In just three months, the close to 30,000 people who have fled violence in hard-to-reach areas are in dire need of food, water, shelter, clothes and medical services.

“Additionally, the funds will help scale up the response near the border with Cameroon in eastern Borno – Gwoza, Bama, Dikwa, Kala-Balge, Monguno, Askira/Uba – and northern Adamawa – Madagali – where approximately another 30,000 have arrived following military operations,” he added.