Humanitarian workers and locals are raising alarms over worsening hunger and malnutrition among internally displaced people in northeastern Nigeria, where the Boko Haram conflict has persisted since 2009.
Although organizations like the World Food Program are providing food and essential supplies, many individuals remain inaccessible to aid, primarily located in conflict hotspots and hard-to-reach areas.
Boko Haram, Nigeria’s homegrown jihadist group, initiated its insurgency in 2009 with the aim of establishing Islamic Sharia law in the country. The violence has resulted in at least 35,000 deaths and displaced 2.1 million people, according to U.N. reports.
During her visit to Nigeria, Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Program, traveled to Damasak, a community near the frontlines, to meet with humanitarian workers and locals receiving aid.
“How do I take food from the hungry and give it to the starving? Because that’s the choices I have to make now,” McCain remarked.
She also engaged with government leaders in Borno, assuring them of the U.N. food agency’s ongoing support.