4. IDPs in Nigeria
According to the UNHCR, conflicts involving Boko Haram and other armed groups, as well as clashes between herders and far- mers, have displaced some three million Nigerians (2022) from their homes. North-east Nigeria, north-west Nigeria and the Midd- le Belt are the most affected by this tragedy. The conflict stemming from of Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks in north-eastern Nigeria continues into its 12th year. Attacks and insecurity have displaced millions of people, devastated agricultu- ral production and other livelihoods, cut off essential services and caused a security crisis. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, over 2.2 million people are displaced due to conflict in the three worst affected states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. Some of the victims have been in the camps or settlements for over eight years.
The diocese of Maiduguri, the place of origin of the Islamist group Boko Haram, is the worst hit by its attacks. More than 200 chur- ches, many parishes, 25 schools, three hospitals, three monaste- ries and countless shops, as well as private houses and business centres were destroyed in the diocese. Some of them have been rebuilt with the help of ACN. Even though many refugees have returned to Borno, for example from Cameroon, hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons have not been able to return to their homes and villages, which were destroyed and are still unsafe. They are concentrated in “garrison cities” defended by the Nigerian armed forces but with a limited perimeter and from which it is risky to leave. Living condi- tions are difficult, congested and unsanitary. It also limits the liveli- hood possibilities of displaced farmers, who are unable to plant or harvest their fields.
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