People in Katsina State, in the northwest of Nigeria, are experiencing a major nutritional crisis at the same time as an unprecedented wave of violence. Kidnappings for ransom, killings and assaults by armed men, commonly called bandits, have now become routine.

This insecurity disrupts the life of thousands, preventing farmers from growing crops and making it difficult for people to go to markets, schools and hospitals. All this comes amidst a severe economic crisis, poor harvests, and a lack of water and arable land.

Mothers here make long journeys on unsafe roads to get their malnourished children treated.