There was a 6 per cent increase in the number of people forcibly displaced from their homes last year, according to a new report from the UN High Commission for Refugees.

By the end of 2024, 123 million people had been internally displaced - an increase of 7 million people compared to the end of 2023.

Among this number are many Christians who have been forced to flee their homes because of persecution, conflict, violence and human rights violations.

Unrest at the hands of armed groups in Nigeria has seen hundreds of Christians internally displaced, with frequent attacks on churches and villages.

'Sam' is a director at Christian anti-persecution watchdog Open Doors. Having spent time working in the displacement camps, he told Premier the conditions are “truly horrific”.

Approximately 3 million people in Nigeria alone are currently displaced.

“They’re living in tented accommodation the size of a small bathroom,” said Sam.

He told Premier that tents are unsafe, cramped and offer little protection against natural dangers.

“There are six to seven people living in these tents. I met a father, and as he showed me the tent, he pulled out this massive scorpion… he’s got five to six children [who are forced to] live in that tent.”

Reflecting on their work with refugees in 2024, the UN’s High Commissioner said: “The global displacement crisis will not abate soon. Behind every number is a life. Behind every [person we can help] is a choice we made together - to stand firm, to adapt, and to continue delivering protection and solutions.”