100,000 Nigerians abroad live as refugees, says US

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US assistant secretary for African Affairs, on Wednsday said about 100,000 Nigerians are currently living outside Nigeria as refugees in neighbouring countries.

Thomas-Greenfield, who announced this to journalists from across Africa in a tele-press conference, said Boko Haram attacks had forced more than one million Nigerians out of their homes.

According to her, these people have serious concerns that need to be addressed.

“More than a million Nigerians have been forced from their homes. Close to 100,000 Nigerians are living outside of Nigeria as refugees,” she said.

“Thousands of families, ordinary people, have been impacted by Boko Haram, and these people have serious concerns that urgently need to be addressed.”

The US envoy said her government had been working closely with Nigeria and its neighbouring countries in addressing problem of terrorism in the region.

Thomas-Greenfield said there was a multi-faceted effort in place to deal with security issues, as well as with the root causes.

The US representative in Africa also said her government had been working with and providing support for governments in the region through the multinational joint task force.

“We’re also working with governments to look at broad economic development in the regions affected by Boko Haram by encouraging businesses to invest in those areas,” she said.

“We are also work with the governments to ensure that those who have been victims of Boko Haram receive the assistance that they require to rebuild their lives.”