Insurgency: Over 4,500 civilians killed in N/Eastern Nigeria in 2023 – UN

The United Nations has said that more than 4,500 civilians were killed in conflict-related violence in North East Nigeria in 2023.

David Lubari Lominyo, Head of the UN sub-office in Damaturu, Yobe State, stated this while addressing newsmen on World Humanitarian Day.

He said the data was sourced from the 2024 report by the UN Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

Lominyo stressed that the protection of civilians remains a major concern due to ongoing violence and indiscriminate attacks by armed groups.

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He noted that the conflict continues to have severe security, humanitarian, socio-economic and political impacts across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.

Lominyo also said the lives of 230,000 children in the North East are on the line as a result of malnutrition and severe crisis.

According to him, more funding for the lean season response will help save the children’s lives.

He added that malnutrition and severe challenges persist in the region as the farmers can no longer access their farms due to insecurity, saying there is a cost of doing nothing.

He urged all parties involved in the conflict, including security agencies and armed groups, to halt the violence, safeguard civilian assets, and provide children with a chance to lead a full life.