The European Union has provided €225,000, approximately N340 million, in humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by conflicts in Kebbi State, Nigeria. This intervention aims to provide emergency assistance to conflict-displaced persons over a six-month period. The aid will be channelled through the Nigerian Red Cross. The move comes as a response to the worsening insecurity in Kebbi, where armed attacks and communal violence have displaced thousands of residents.
The humanitarian crisis in Kebbi State has been escalating due to armed attacks and communal violence across seven local government areas. Thousands of residents have been displaced, and affected communities are in urgent need of humanitarian support. According to the European Union, the funding will prioritize multipurpose cash assistance. This will enable displaced families to meet their most immediate needs. Additionally, protection services will be provided for vulnerable individuals.
The EU's intervention is expected to reach approximately 7,700 conflict-displaced people living in settlements and host communities across Kebbi State. Particular attention will be given to female-headed households, persons with disabilities, elderly people, and individuals facing acute protection risks. The response will also include continuous monitoring of population movements and the mobilisation of local volunteers. This effort will help lay the groundwork for longer-term recovery interventions by other humanitarian actors.
The latest intervention is part of the EU's contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The DREF is a mechanism established to provide immediate financial support to National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies responding to disasters and other emergencies. The EU's funding will support the Nigerian Red Cross in providing emergency assistance to those affected by the conflict.
Insecurity in Kebbi State has deteriorated significantly following an escalation of armed attacks and communal violence. A sharp escalation in violence around August 31 triggered the humanitarian response. The violence has reportedly affected more than 16,600 people across the state, including 7,706 people who have been displaced and 108 others who sustained injuries. Displaced families are living in temporary settlements and host communities, facing a complex security environment.
The affected population in Kebbi State is confronting a complex security environment characterised by organised banditry, armed group activity, and communal violence. Displaced families living in temporary settlements and host communities are in urgent need of shelter, food, clean water, healthcare, and protection. The EU's humanitarian funding aims to address these needs and provide support to those affected by the conflict.
The European Commission has also signed a €16 million humanitarian delegation agreement with the IFRC to support the Federation's DREF. The EU's intervention reflects its broader commitment to humanitarian assistance for populations affected by conflicts and disasters. Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Department, the bloc provides emergency assistance to vulnerable populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises around the world.
Key points
- The European Union releases €225,000 in humanitarian aid to support communities displaced by conflicts in Kebbi State, Nigeria.
- The humanitarian aid will prioritize multipurpose cash assistance and protection services for vulnerable individuals.
- The intervention aims to reach approximately 7,700 conflict-displaced people living in settlements and host communities across Kebbi State.
