The Executive Director of From Above Humanitarian Foundation (FAHF), Ambassador Blessing Abel, has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, saying women, children, and Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD) are bearing the heaviest burden of the nation’s growing insecurity.
Ambassador Abel made the assertion in a statement issued by the Foundation in Port Harcourt, where she condemned in strong terms the continued attacks on communities, farmlands, schools, and transportation routes across different parts of the country.
According to her, the impact of insecurity has extended beyond the immediate loss of lives and property, creating a broader humanitarian and socio-economic crisis that continues to affect millions of Nigerians.
She noted that the inability of farmers to safely access their farmlands has significantly reduced agricultural activities in several communities, contributing to rising food prices and worsening food insecurity nationwide.
“Many farming communities now live in fear. Farmers are unable to freely cultivate their lands, harvest their produce, or transport goods to markets. The result is reduced food production, scarcity of essential commodities, and increasing hardship for ordinary Nigerians,” she said.
Ambassador Abel observed that women are among the most affected, as they often shoulder the responsibility of feeding families and caring for children amid worsening economic conditions.
“Women are struggling daily to cope with rising food costs and declining household incomes. Many mothers are forced to make difficult choices to ensure their families survive. This reality is becoming increasingly unsustainable for vulnerable households,” she stated.
The Foundation further expressed concern over the plight of children whose access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection continues to be threatened by insecurity and economic hardship.
According to Ambassador Abel, attacks on communities and educational institutions have disrupted learning opportunities and exposed children to fear, displacement, and deprivation.
“When children cannot attend school safely, when they go to bed hungry, and when their future is threatened by circumstances beyond their control, society must take notice. The welfare and protection of children must remain a national priority,” she said.
She also highlighted the challenges faced by Persons Living With Disabilities, noting that periods of insecurity often worsen existing barriers to healthcare, transportation, humanitarian assistance, and economic participation.
“Persons Living With Disabilities are frequently overlooked during emergencies and crises. Yet they remain among those most affected by displacement, poverty, and limited access to essential services. Inclusive responses are necessary to ensure that no one is left behind,” she added.
The humanitarian organization also lamented the growing difficulties faced by travelers, traders, and small business owners as insecurity continues to affect movement and commerce across the country.
The Foundation noted that increased transportation risks and disruptions to supply chains have contributed to inflationary pressures and further strained household budgets.
Ambassador Abel called on the Federal Government, security agencies, state governments, development partners, and community leaders to intensify efforts toward addressing the root causes of insecurity while strengthening support systems for vulnerable populations.
She emphasized the need for improved protection of farming communities, enhanced social protection programmes, greater investment in agriculture, and targeted interventions for women, children, and Persons Living With Disabilities.
“The fight against insecurity must be comprehensive. Beyond security operations, there is a need for deliberate investments in food security, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and community resilience. Sustainable peace and development can only be achieved when citizens feel safe and have access to opportunities,” she stated.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting humanitarian initiatives that improve the wellbeing of vulnerable populations and urged all stakeholders to work collectively toward building a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria.
Ambassador Abel stressed that the nation’s future depends on its ability to protect its most vulnerable citizens, calling for urgent and coordinated action to reverse the growing humanitarian consequences of insecurity across the country.