JUST IN: MSF withdraws from Zamfara over attack near hospital

The Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, says it’s withdrawing its staff from Zurmi Hospital in Zamfara State until security improves in the area.

The MSF’s Field Communication Officer, Adulkareem Yakubu, in a statement to reporters on Friday, said a great number of population and medical missions are at risk as armed confrontations in Zurmi worsen.

“Continuous heavy fighting has been taking place in Zurmi town since 10 December, with some of the confrontations occurring dangerously close to a hospital supported by Médecins sans Frontières (MSF).

“These armed clashes have provoked the displacement of thousands of people in need of security, shelter, and access to basic services. Humanitarian support is needed to help those in dire need of assistance, Mr Yakubu said.

Mr Yakubu said the security challenges have forced the MSF to evacuate parts of its team from Zurmi town leaving residents in dire need of healthcare.

“Faced…