Armed insurgency in north-east Nigeria 'has created a humanitarian tragedy'.

Following an upsurge in violence in north-east Nigeria, which was brought to global attention five years ago with the abduction by Boko Haram extremists of the Chibok schoolgirls, tens of thousands of innocent civilians continue to flee, prompting 'grave concern' from the United Nations envoy there.

Clashes between Nigerian government forces and non-State armed groups on 26 December in Baga town, about 200 kilometers north of state capital Maiduguri, triggered massive displacement, pushing civilians to converge on already-congested camps or sites for internally displaced people (IDPs).

An attempted attack on 28 December in Monguno, further exacerbated the situation, leading to more displacement.

'The impact of the recent fighting on innocent civilians is devastating and has created a humanitarian tragedy,' said UN Humanitarian Coordinator Edward Kallon after visiting Monguno and Teachers Village camp for internally displaced people in Maiduguri.

'It is heart-wrenching to see so many of these people living in congested camps, or sleeping outside with no shelter,' he lamented.

'The United Nations is extremely concerned about the impact that violence in north-east Nigeria, especially in Borno State, is having on civilians', he added.

In recent weeks, more than 30,000 internally displaced people have...