The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has appealed to the government and local authorities to provide secure corridors for humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected parts of Adamawa State.
Francesca Piccin, Head of the ICRC Sub-delegation, made the call during a visit to Madagali, one of the communities hardest hit by violence in Northern Adamawa. She expressed concern that insecurity in nearby Southern Borno continues to drive people into Madagali, worsening humanitarian needs.
Piccin explained that the ICRC has been working to restore essential services in the area, reopening access to the Madagali health facility in April 2024 and supporting projects in healthcare, water supply, and nutrition. These include the construction of a water tower, the renovation of a primary healthcare centre, and the introduction of the “Tom Brown” nutrition programme to combat childhood malnutrition using locally sourced foods such as soybeans, millet, maize, groundnut, and moringa.
She added that plans are underway to build a new health facility equipped with boreholes and solar power, with support from the local community.
Community leaders acknowledged the impact of ICRC’s work, highlighting improvements in access to medical services and food security. They noted that the Red Cross has trained women on child nutrition, supported farming initiatives, and expanded healthcare facilities to meet the community’s growing population. Leaders further called on the government to complement these efforts with additional support to help rebuild livelihoods and restore stability in the area.