UN responds to humanitarian needs in Nigeria

(New York: 26 May 2004) - 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 Nassarawa states areas.
The UN Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group in Nigeria has just returned from leading an inter-agency 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, and food items, ORS, chlorine powder. The UN Development Program (UNDP) has mobilized $50,000 for supporting the humanitarian operations in Bauchi and Nassarawa States.

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 IDPs arriving from Plateau State. The Government plans to provide plot 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, volunteers, and assisted with data collection.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA NY, 917 367 5126, mobile 917 892 1679; Elizabeth Byrs, OCHA Geneva, 41 22 917 2653, mobile 41(0) 79 473 4570.