Nigeria’s widows struggle to rebuild lives amid conflict

In northeastern Nigeria, years of Boko Haram insurgency have left many women widowed and responsible for raising families in displacement camps.

For Victoria Philibus, who lost her husband 13 years ago, farming has become her only means of supporting four children.

But the income is barely enough to meet their basic needs.

Other widows, including Tabitha Yusuf, face additional challenges.

With her disability and five children to support, she says survival has become increasingly difficult.

Humanitarian agencies and the Borno state government provide food, cash assistance and agricultural training.

Yet many families remain without reliable incomes, while children are kept out of school and sent into menial work to help their mothers survive.