WFP Alarmed at Spread of Violence Into Niger (For the Media)

Violence by armed groups in Northern Nigeria is causing large numbers of people to flee into neighbouring countries, straining already stretched communities and services in poor areas of Cameroon, Chad and Niger. The number of women and children among those fleeing is increasing. WFP is particularly deeply concerned about the nutritional state of newly arriving refugee children. WFP is on the ground in all three countries and is scaling up its response to the refugee influx - but insecurity makes it increasingly risky for humanitarian agencies to operate, especially in remote areas.