At least 402 people, mainly schoolchildren, have been kidnapped in four states in the north-central region – Niger, Kebbi, Kwara and Borno – since November 17, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. OHCHRsaid Tuesday.
Only 88 of them were released or escaped from captivity.
Call for justice
“We are shocked by the recent surge in mass kidnappings in north-central Nigeria,” said OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan. said in Geneva.
“We urge Nigerian authorities – at all levels – to take all legal measures to ensure that such despicable attacks end and to hold those responsible to account. »
OHCHR said authorities must ensure the safe return of all those still detained and prevent further kidnappings.
Growing hunger and security threat
The increase in insurgent attacks threatens regional stability and causes a surge in hunger, according to the World Food Program (PAM) added.
The latest analysis reveals that almost 35 million people are expected to face severe food insecurity during the 2026 lean season from June to August – the highest number ever recorded in the country.
Insurgent attacks have intensified this year, the UN agency said.
Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate, reportedly carried out its first attack in Nigeria last month, while the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgent group is said to be seeking to expand into the Sahel region.
“Communities are under severe pressure from repeated attacks and economic tensions,” said David Stevenson, WFP country director and representative in Nigeria.
“If we fail to feed families and bring food insecurity under control, growing desperation could fuel increased instability as insurgent groups exploit hunger to expand their influence, creating a security threat that extends across West Africa and beyond. »
Millions of people in danger
The WFP noted that northern Nigeria is experiencing the most serious food crisis in a decade and that rural farming communities are the hardest hit.
Nearly six million people are expected to face crisis levels of hunger or worse during the 2026 lean season in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. This includes some 15,000 people in Borno State who are expected to face catastrophic famine or near-starvation conditions.
The situation is evolving as WFP continues to face funding shortfalls that forced the agency to scale back its nutrition programs in the northeast in July, affecting more than 300,000 children.
The WFP has warned that resources for emergency food and nutrition assistance will run out in December, meaning millions of people will be left without vital support next year.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
