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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has voiced serious concern over the escalating food crisis affecting northern Nigeria, blaming what he described as poor leadership for a situation he believes could have been prevented.

Obi expressed his concerns in a statement titled “UN’s Warning on Northern Nigeria’s Food Crisis,” which he shared on his verified X account on Saturday.

The former Anambra State governor described the latest warning issued by the World Food Programme (WFP) as deeply disturbing, noting that it is unacceptable for northern Nigeria, widely regarded as the nation’s food-producing region, to be battling such severe levels of hunger.

He pointed to the United Nations report, which indicated that northern Nigeria is facing its worst food crisis in almost ten years, with more than 17 million people across nine northern states already experiencing crisis-level hunger.

According to the report, over 35 million Nigerians are also projected to face food insecurity during the ongoing lean season.

Obi further lamented reports showing that more than 10,000 residents of Borno State have entered what the UN classified as “catastrophic” hunger conditions, describing the development as a clear indication of national failure.

“I am deeply troubled by the latest report from the UN’s World Food Programme, indicating that northern Nigeria is experiencing its most severe hunger crisis in nearly a decade.

“Over 17 million people in nine northern states face crisis-level hunger, with more than 35 million Nigerians nationwide at risk during this challenging season.

“The fact that over 10,000 residents of Borno State have entered ‘catastrophic’ hunger conditions represents not only immense human suffering but also a profound national failure.

“Nigeria should not rank among the world’s hungriest nations, given its abundant resources, particularly the vast stretches of fertile, uncultivated land in the North,” Obi said.

The NDC presidential candidate attributed the worsening humanitarian situation largely to insecurity, arguing that widespread violence has prevented many farmers from accessing their farmlands.

He maintained that persistent bandit attacks and insurgency have forced numerous farming communities out of their homes, leaving once-productive agricultural areas abandoned.

Obi called on both the Federal Government and state governments to intensify efforts aimed at restoring security in farming communities while expanding support for smallholder farmers through easier access to essential agricultural resources.

He also urged authorities to strengthen collaboration with the World Food Programme in order to close existing funding gaps and prevent the crisis from worsening in the months ahead.

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