50,000 flee Nigerian state amidst escalating violence Published 08 July 2014 | Carey Lodge

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(AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

In this photo dated 6 June 2013, soldiers stand guard at the offices of the state-run Nigerian Television Authority in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The radical group Boko Haram once attacked only government institutions and security forces, but now increasingly targets civilians.

A bomb was set off Monday at the School of Hygiene in Kano, Nigeria. At least eight people were killed, and a dozen more injured.
Police reported that a suspect was taken into custody, and his vehicle was impounded. The bomb was planted around 1 p.m. local time.
Although no classes were being held on campus due to the end of the semester, the AFP reports that new students were on site registering for next term. The explosion occurred in a parking lot near the provost's office.
Terrorist group Boko Haram is under suspicion for orchestrating the attack, as they have targeted learning institutions in the past. The group once targeted Kano on a nearly daily basis, but law enforcement authorities and the military have been more successful in quelling the violence. Access to the college is now heavily restricted by military personnel.
A Christian area of Kano was attacked by a suicide car bomb on May 19, killing four. Boko Haram is also suspected in the attack on Koronginim, Borno state on Saturday. Homes were destroyed and several people were killed. A witness said that the assailants yelled, "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) before firing upon the villagers.
"Two of their leaders were giving orders that they should shoot anyone on sight ... I crawled into the nearby bush and fled from there," the witness told the Nigerian Tribune.
Boko Haram was founded in 2002, but has become increasingly violent since Abubakar Shekau assumed leadership in 2009.
The group became internationally known after kidnapping over 270 children from an all-girls school in Chibok, Nigeria on April 14. A second mass kidnapping occurred on May 4 in Warabe.
During a speech at the Nigerian State House on Friday, President Goodluck Jonathan said that they have not given up their efforts to rescue the girls. Over 200 kidnapped students remain missing.

• An estimated 50,000 people have been forced to flee growing conflict in Benue state, Nigeria, as increasing violence threatens their livelihood.
  A long running land dispute between local farmers and the Fulani community – nomadic cattle herders – has recently resulted in a fresh outbreak of violence, and has fractured the north central state even further.
  With no official camps set up for refugees of the conflict, those who have been forced to flee are reportedly taking refuge in any available buildings, including schools left empty by the recent teacher strike.
  Christian Aid partners on the ground in Nigeria – including the Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF) and the Anglican Diocesan Development Services (ADDS) Makurdi – are therefore working to provide vital aid and humanitarian assistance for those seeking shelter.
  The distribution of food, water sanitation devices, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and hygiene equipment has begun, while psychological counselling and health education is also being offered to those affected by the crisis, amidst fears that diseases will spread quickly.
  JDF and ADDS Makurdi are now urging President Goodluck Jonathan's government to respond immediately, before the situation worsens further.
  "Farming is the primary occupation in Benue state and the main source of income for most households," explains country manager for Christian Aid Nigeria Charles Usie.
  "As well as people losing their lives, violent attacks during this conflict have destroyed farmlands leaving people homeless and jobless.
  "This is another example of the growing insecurity in the country but we must put pressure on the authorities - they cannot ignore the crisis in Benue."
  Northern Nigeria is rife with tension as Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is continuing its bid for power.
  The militant group – whose name translates as 'Western education is forbidden' – is responsible for thousands of deaths since its uprising in 2009, including over 2,000 this year alone. Members have declared intent to cleanse the country of Christians, eradicate Nigerian democracy and replace it with an Islamic state guided by Sharia law.
  An estimated 50,000 people have been forced to flee growing conflict in Benue state, Nigeria, as increasing violence threatens their livelihood.
  A long running land dispute between local farmers and the Fulani community – nomadic cattle herders – has recently resulted in a fresh outbreak of violence, and has fractured the north central state even further.
  With no official camps set up for refugees of the conflict, those who have been forced to flee are reportedly taking refuge in any available buildings, including schools left empty by the recent teacher strike.
  Christian Aid partners on the ground in Nigeria – including the Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF) and the Anglican Diocesan Development Services (ADDS) Makurdi – are therefore working to provide vital aid and humanitarian assistance for those seeking shelter.
  The distribution of food, water sanitation devices, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and hygiene equipment has begun, while psychological counselling and health education is also being offered to those affected by the crisis, amidst fears that diseases will spread quickly.
  JDF and ADDS Makurdi are now urging President Goodluck Jonathan's government to respond immediately, before the situation worsens further.
  "Farming is the primary occupation in Benue state and the main source of income for most households," explains country manager for Christian Aid Nigeria Charles Usie.
  "As well as people losing their lives, violent attacks during this conflict have destroyed farmlands leaving people homeless and jobless.
  "This is another example of the growing insecurity in the country but we must put pressure on the authorities - they cannot ignore the crisis in Benue."
  Northern Nigeria is rife with tension as Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is continuing its bid for power.
  The militant group – whose name translates as 'Western education is forbidden' – is responsible for thousands of deaths since its uprising in 2009, including over 2,000 this year alone. Members have declared intent to cleanse the country of Christians, eradicate Nigerian democracy and replace it with an Islamic state guided by Sharia law.
  
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on TwitterAn estimated 50,000 people have been forced to flee growing conflict in Benue state, Nigeria, as increasing violence threatens their livelihood.
    A long running land dispute between local farmers and the Fulani community – nomadic cattle herders – has recently resulted in a fresh outbreak of violence, and has fractured the north central state even further.
    With no official camps set up for refugees of the conflict, those who have been forced to flee are reportedly taking refuge in any available buildings, including schools left empty by the recent teacher strike.
    Christian Aid partners on the ground in Nigeria – including the Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF) and the Anglican Diocesan Development Services (ADDS) Makurdi – are therefore working to provide vital aid and humanitarian assistance for those seeking shelter.
    The distribution of food, water sanitation devices, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and hygiene equipment has begun, while psychological counselling and health education is also being offered to those affected by the crisis, amidst fears that diseases will spread quickly.
    JDF and ADDS Makurdi are now urging President Goodluck Jonathan's government to respond immediately, before the situation worsens further.
    "Farming is the primary occupation in Benue state and the main source of income for most households," explains country manager for Christian Aid Nigeria Charles Usie.
    "As well as people losing their lives, violent attacks during this conflict have destroyed farmlands leaving people homeless and jobless.
    "This is another example of the growing insecurity in the country but we must put pressure on the authorities - they cannot ignore the crisis in Benue."
    Northern Nigeria is rife with tension as Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is continuing its bid for power.
    The militant group – whose name translates as 'Western education is forbidden' – is responsible for thousands of deaths since its uprising in 2009, including over 2,000 this year alone. Members have declared intent to cleanse the country of Christians, eradicate Nigerian democracy and replace it with an Islamic state guided by Sharia law.
    
    • Share on Facebook
    • Share on TwitterAn estimated 50,000 people have been forced to flee growing conflict in Benue state, Nigeria, as increasing violence threatens their livelihood.
      A long running land dispute between local farmers and the Fulani community – nomadic cattle herders – has recently resulted in a fresh outbreak of violence, and has fractured the north central state even further.
      With no official camps set up for refugees of the conflict, those who have been forced to flee are reportedly taking refuge in any available buildings, including schools left empty by the recent teacher strike.
      Christian Aid partners on the ground in Nigeria – including the Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF) and the Anglican Diocesan Development Services (ADDS) Makurdi – are therefore working to provide vital aid and humanitarian assistance for those seeking shelter.
      The distribution of food, water sanitation devices, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and hygiene equipment has begun, while psychological counselling and health education is also being offered to those affected by the crisis, amidst fears that diseases will spread quickly.
      JDF and ADDS Makurdi are now urging President Goodluck Jonathan's government to respond immediately, before the situation worsens further.
      "Farming is the primary occupation in Benue state and the main source of income for most households," explains country manager for Christian Aid Nigeria Charles Usie.
      "As well as people losing their lives, violent attacks during this conflict have destroyed farmlands leaving people homeless and jobless.
      "This is another example of the growing insecurity in the country but we must put pressure on the authorities - they cannot ignore the crisis in Benue."
      Northern Nigeria is rife with tension as Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is continuing its bid for power.
      The militant group – whose name translates as 'Western education is forbidden' – is responsible for thousands of deaths since its uprising in 2009, including over 2,000 this year alone. Members have declared intent to cleanse the country of Christians, eradicate Nigerian democracy and replace it with an Islamic state guided by Sharia law.
      
      • Share on Facebook
      • Share on TwitterAn estimated 50,000 people have been forced to flee growing conflict in Benue state, Nigeria, as increasing violence threatens their livelihood.
        A long running land dispute between local farmers and the Fulani community – nomadic cattle herders – has recently resulted in a fresh outbreak of violence, and has fractured the north central state even further.
        With no official camps set up for refugees of the conflict, those who have been forced to flee are reportedly taking refuge in any available buildings, including schools left empty by the recent teacher strike.
        Christian Aid partners on the ground in Nigeria – including the Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF) and the Anglican Diocesan Development Services (ADDS) Makurdi – are therefore working to provide vital aid and humanitarian assistance for those seeking shelter.
        The distribution of food, water sanitation devices, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and hygiene equipment has begun, while psychological counselling and health education is also being offered to those affected by the crisis, amidst fears that diseases will spread quickly.
        JDF and ADDS Makurdi are now urging President Goodluck Jonathan's government to respond immediately, before the situation worsens further.
        "Farming is the primary occupation in Benue state and the main source of income for most households," explains country manager for Christian Aid Nigeria Charles Usie.
        "As well as people losing their lives, violent attacks during this conflict have destroyed farmlands leaving people homeless and jobless.
        "This is another example of the growing insecurity in the country but we must put pressure on the authorities - they cannot ignore the crisis in Benue."
        Northern Nigeria is rife with tension as Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is continuing its bid for power.
        The militant group – whose name translates as 'Western education is forbidden' – is responsible for thousands of deaths since its uprising in 2009, including over 2,000 this year alone. Members have declared intent to cleanse the country of Christians, eradicate Nigerian democracy and replace it with an Islamic state guided by Sharia law.
        
        • Share on Facebook
        • Share on TwitterAn estimated 50,000 people have been forced to flee growing conflict in Benue state, Nigeria, as increasing violence threatens their livelihood.
          A long running land dispute between local farmers and the Fulani community – nomadic cattle herders – has recently resulted in a fresh outbreak of violence, and has fractured the north central state even further.
          With no official camps set up for refugees of the conflict, those who have been forced to flee are reportedly taking refuge in any available buildings, including schools left empty by the recent teacher strike.
          Christian Aid partners on the ground in Nigeria – including the Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF) and the Anglican Diocesan Development Services (ADDS) Makurdi – are therefore working to provide vital aid and humanitarian assistance for those seeking shelter.
          The distribution of food, water sanitation devices, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and hygiene equipment has begun, while psychological counselling and health education is also being offered to those affected by the crisis, amidst fears that diseases will spread quickly.
          JDF and ADDS Makurdi are now urging President Goodluck Jonathan's government to respond immediately, before the situation worsens further.
          "Farming is the primary occupation in Benue state and the main source of income for most households," explains country manager for Christian Aid Nigeria Charles Usie.
          "As well as people losing their lives, violent attacks during this conflict have destroyed farmlands leaving people homeless and jobless.
          "This is another example of the growing insecurity in the country but we must put pressure on the authorities - they cannot ignore the crisis in Benue."
          Northern Nigeria is rife with tension as Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is continuing its bid for power.
          The militant group – whose name translates as 'Western education is forbidden' – is responsible for thousands of deaths since its uprising in 2009, including over 2,000 this year alone. Members have declared intent to cleanse the country of Christians, eradicate Nigerian democracy and replace it with an Islamic state guided by Sharia law.
          
          • Share on Facebook
          • Share on TwitterAn estimated 50,000 people have been forced to flee growing conflict in Benue state, Nigeria, as increasing violence threatens their livelihood.
            A long running land dispute between local farmers and the Fulani community – nomadic cattle herders – has recently resulted in a fresh outbreak of violence, and has fractured the north central state even further.
            With no official camps set up for refugees of the conflict, those who have been forced to flee are reportedly taking refuge in any available buildings, including schools left empty by the recent teacher strike.
            Christian Aid partners on the ground in Nigeria – including the Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF) and the Anglican Diocesan Development Services (ADDS) Makurdi – are therefore working to provide vital aid and humanitarian assistance for those seeking shelter.
            The distribution of food, water sanitation devices, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and hygiene equipment has begun, while psychological counselling and health education is also being offered to those affected by the crisis, amidst fears that diseases will spread quickly.
            JDF and ADDS Makurdi are now urging President Goodluck Jonathan's government to respond immediately, before the situation worsens further.
            "Farming is the primary occupation in Benue state and the main source of income for most households," explains country manager for Christian Aid Nigeria Charles Usie.
            "As well as people losing their lives, violent attacks during this conflict have destroyed farmlands leaving people homeless and jobless.
            "This is another example of the growing insecurity in the country but we must put pressure on the authorities - they cannot ignore the crisis in Benue."
            Northern Nigeria is rife with tension as Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is continuing its bid for power.
            The militant group – whose name translates as 'Western education is forbidden' – is responsible for thousands of deaths since its uprising in 2009, including over 2,000 this year alone. Members have declared intent to cleanse the country of Christians, eradicate Nigerian democracy and replace it with an Islamic state guided by Sharia law.
            
            • Share on Facebook
            • Share on TwitterAn estimated 50,000 people have been forced to flee growing conflict in Benue state, Nigeria, as increasing violence threatens their livelihood.
              A long running land dispute between local farmers and the Fulani community – nomadic cattle herders – has recently resulted in a fresh outbreak of violence, and has fractured the north central state even further.
              With no official camps set up for refugees of the conflict, those who have been forced to flee are reportedly taking refuge in any available buildings, including schools left empty by the recent teacher strike.
              Christian Aid partners on the ground in Nigeria – including the Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF) and the Anglican Diocesan Development Services (ADDS) Makurdi – are therefore working to provide vital aid and humanitarian assistance for those seeking shelter.
              The distribution of food, water sanitation devices, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and hygiene equipment has begun, while psychological counselling and health education is also being offered to those affected by the crisis, amidst fears that diseases will spread quickly.
              JDF and ADDS Makurdi are now urging President Goodluck Jonathan's government to respond immediately, before the situation worsens further.
              "Farming is the primary occupation in Benue state and the main source of income for most households," explains country manager for Christian Aid Nigeria Charles Usie.
              "As well as people losing their lives, violent attacks during this conflict have destroyed farmlands leaving people homeless and jobless.
              "This is another example of the growing insecurity in the country but we must put pressure on the authorities - they cannot ignore the crisis in Benue."
              Northern Nigeria is rife with tension as Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is continuing its bid for power.
              The militant group – whose name translates as 'Western education is forbidden' – is responsible for thousands of deaths since its uprising in 2009, including over 2,000 this year alone. Members have declared intent to cleanse the country of Christians, eradicate Nigerian democracy and replace it with an Islamic state guided by Sharia law.
              
              • Share on Facebook
              • Share on TwitterAn estimated 50,000 people have been forced to flee growing conflict in Benue state, Nigeria, as increasing violence threatens their livelihood.
                A long running land dispute between local farmers and the Fulani community – nomadic cattle herders – has recently resulted in a fresh outbreak of violence, and has fractured the north central state even further.
                With no official camps set up for refugees of the conflict, those who have been forced to flee are reportedly taking refuge in any available buildings, including schools left empty by the recent teacher strike.
                Christian Aid partners on the ground in Nigeria – including the Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF) and the Anglican Diocesan Development Services (ADDS) Makurdi – are therefore working to provide vital aid and humanitarian assistance for those seeking shelter.
                The distribution of food, water sanitation devices, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and hygiene equipment has begun, while psychological counselling and health education is also being offered to those affected by the crisis, amidst fears that diseases will spread quickly.
                JDF and ADDS Makurdi are now urging President Goodluck Jonathan's government to respond immediately, before the situation worsens further.
                "Farming is the primary occupation in Benue state and the main source of income for most households," explains country manager for Christian Aid Nigeria Charles Usie.
                "As well as people losing their lives, violent attacks during this conflict have destroyed farmlands leaving people homeless and jobless.
                "This is another example of the growing insecurity in the country but we must put pressure on the authorities - they cannot ignore the crisis in Benue."
                Northern Nigeria is rife with tension as Islamic extremist group Boko Haram is continuing its bid for power.
                The militant group – whose name translates as 'Western education is forbidden' – is responsible for thousands of deaths since its uprising in 2009, including over 2,000 this year alone. Members have declared intent to cleanse the country of Christians, eradicate Nigerian democracy and replace it with an Islamic state guided by Sharia law.
                
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