By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

ABUJA—As the Boko Haram sect continues its violent campaign in parts of the north and the Federal Capital Territory, the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, says it has extended its hand of fellowship to no fewer than 50,000 displaced persons in the region.

The organisation said in Abuja, yesterday, that the number of people killed or wounded or displaced by the conflict was on the rise with children being targeted in attacks or abductions.

According to the body, the growing number of inter communal clashes between farmers and pastoralists in central Nigeria are driving people away from their homes and destroying their livelihoods.

According to the agency, ICRC and Nigerian Red Cross Society, NRCS, have assessed the needs of a further 1,800 displaced people in Borno State but have been unable to deliver food and emergency household items to them because of the lack of security in the area.

In the statement by the Head of ICRC in Nigeria, Zoran Jovanovic, the committee noted that increased violence and bomb attacks in Jos, Kano and Abuja had also put a strain on hospitals, some of which needed additional supplies to treat the sudden influxes of mass casualties.

He said: “The conflict in North East Nigeria has flared up in recent months, while other areas have seen growing tensions and armed violence. The number of people killed, wounded or displaced is on the rise, with children being targeted in attacks or abductions.

“More and more displaced people are seeking refuge in neighbouring villages, states and countries.”

Jovanovic said ICRC, together with the National Red Cross Societies in the region was doing its utmost to provide humanitarian assistance— medical care and emergency relief— to the victims of the conflict, both within Nigeria and in neighbouring countries, especially Niger.

Life saving care

ICRC said some 1,190 people wounded in armed violence in north and Abuja have received emergency care from first aid providers trained by ICRC and NRCS.

Bernadette Gleeson, Head, ICRC surgical and first aid programmes in Nigeria, said: “In recent months, we have made 50 donations of surgical and first aid supplies to 17 hospitals and facilities in communities without any other access to health services.

“A full ICRC surgical team remains on standby to assist with the management and treatment of people wounded by firearms or explosive devices.”