Humanitarian Catastrophic: Nigeria among top ten countries

by Shehu Olayinka

Nigeria has been listed among nine other countries in this year International Rescue Committee (IRC) countries most at risk of humanitarian catastrophe in 2019.

The ranking by IRC has 21 countries on the list, with Nigeria ranked eight and Yemen ranked at the top position.

According to the list published on the 17 of December 2018, by the humanitarian organisation, the presidential election in February 2019 may have a destabilising impact that could spark a greater conflict.

On Nigeria position IRC said “During 2018, Nigeria has experienced persistent attacks from armed groups as well as communal violence exacerbated by competition for water and land resources. As a result, Over 2 million Nigerians have been displaced internally and 230,000 have sought refuge in neighboring countries”.

For the outlook it said, “Violence could intensify, triggering more displacements and exacerbating food insecurity for millions of Nigerians. The presidential election in February 2019 may also have a destabilizing impact and could spark greater conflict, leading to further displacement”.

Countries also listed with Nigeria includes: Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo, , South Sudan, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Central African Republic, Syria, Ethiopia and Somalia.

Speaking on the list, Bob Kitchen, the IRC’s Vice President for Emergencies said 2018 was a devastating year for millions around the world, with more people displaced from their homes than ever before.

He said, “In many of the world’s most challenging places, armed conflict and man-made crisis mean life will get worse and not better in 2019.”