UN Warns Of More Nigerian Refugees As ‘Deteriorating Insecurity’ Forces Over 40,000 Out To Niger Republic

The United Nations (UN) on Friday revealed that violence as a result of armed banditry in the North West has forced more than 40,000 people to flee across the border into Niger republic over the last 10 months.

According to the UN, the surge in kidnappings, killings, sexual violence and other unrest in the area is however, not known to be linked to Boko Haram insurgency which is basically concentrated in the North East.

The UN said 2,500 refugees crossed into Niger on September 11 alone after an attack targeting civilians.

A statement by the organisation, said “people are seeking safety from indiscriminate attacks unleased by organised armed groups on men, women and children-alike.”

“As the security situation continues to deteriorate in Sokoto State, we are expecting more refugees to arrive in Niger Republic,” the statement said.

Spokesman of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Babar Baloch while addressing journalists said the agency did not have clear information on the perpetrators of the violence in the states of Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina, while Nigeria’s government has blamed armed bandits.

UNHCR said it was ramping up assistance to the remote border area on the Niger side, including more staff and fresh shipments of supplies.

Recall that only recently the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari reportedly went into negotiation with suspected bandits which a truce was allegedly reached.