Traumatized by eleven years of conflict, more than a million children in northeast Nigeria are left without psychological support.

Aid agencies and the government are mainly focused on providing food and shelter to victims, with only a few getting the counseling support they need.

In a statement in Abuja, the country’s capital, UNICEF said the 12 years of Boko Haram violence have triggered depression and mental health challenges among many children in the area.

“The scars of conflict are real and enduring for children. Too many children in northeast Nigeria are falling victims to a conflict they did not start,” said Peter Hawkins, a UNICEF representative in Nigeria.

He added the EU-funded project also supports vulnerable children in the area with protection and health services, basic literacy skills, and access to justice and security.

Aljazeera/Anadolu Agency.