David Stevenson

David Stevenson, WFP country director in Nigeria, said several communities are under severe pressure from repeated attacks and were in need of urgent support.

Close to a fifth of Africa's most populous country is expected to be affected and thousands to face famine-like conditions, the WFP said.

The crisis is driven by rising insecurity in northern Nigeria by a range of armed groups,

and by Islamist militants that have a growing presence in northeast Nigeria.

Last week saw three major attacks, including the kidnap of over 300 children from a Catholic school.

More than 250 are still missing.

The attacks drew condemnation from the US, which has accused Nigeria of failing to protect Christians, which the government have denied.

Emmanuel Akimotu, NPR News.