UN RESPONDS TO HUMANITARIAN NEEDS IN NIGERIA

UN RESPONDS TO HUMANITARIAN NEEDS IN NIGERIA

NEW YORK, 26 May (OCHA) -- In the wake of inter-communal violence that has reportedly left nearly 500 dead and some 50,000 displaced, United Nations humanitarian agencies are bringing aid to people in Bauchi and NassarawaStates.

The United Nations Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group in Nigeria has just returned from leading an inter-agency team comprising Nigerian Government emergency agencies and the Nigerian Red Cross.  Their assessment has revealed urgent needs for food, water, health care, and grants for income-generating activities.  Specifically, internally displaced persons need enough tents for some 5,000 families, roofing supplies for temporary houses, blankets, mats and education programs for displaced children.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has provided some health kits, medicines, food items, and oral rehydration salts and chlorine powder.  The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has mobilized $50,000 for supporting the humanitarian operations in Bauchi and NassarawaStates.

A State Emergency Crisis Committee is currently assisting in the registration of arrivals, as well as in sensitization campaigns and planning for settling of the internally displaced persons arriving from Plateau State.  The Government plans to provide plots of land to families for building houses.  The National Emergency Management Agency has provided food items, blankets, and other supplies to assist the Bauchi State Government in handling the situation.  The Nigerian Red Cross Society has provided food, mats, blankets, medical care, drugs and volunteers, and assisted with data collection.

* *** *