Nigerian Hospitality
Conflicts between the Nigerian army and Boko Haram rage through the North Eastern districts of Nigeria, where Boko Haram fights for an Islamic State in West Africa.
Since the start of the conflict, thousands of people have lost their lives or have gone missing.
The conflict has forced 2.6 million people to flee their homes to Chad, Niger or Cameroon, but most of them have moved to different parts of Nigeria.
The humanitarian needs in the North Eastern part of the country are beyond imagination. Millions of people don't have access to clean water, food, medical care and shelter. Children are out of school and often traumatized by the violence they have witnessed. Families are torn apart and mourn the deceased or missing.
Local communities have welcomed the majority of internally displaced (IDP'S) - around 90%- in their villages, homes and lives. They not only share the little food, agricultural grounds and drinking water they have, but they share friendship, compassion, fears and love. The hospitality is not extraordinary according to the hosts, it is their duty to take care of people in need.
Photographer Chris de Bode travelled to Yola, Nigeria, for the Dutch Relief Alliance. He created a photo series to demonstrate the hospitality of the people in Yola district.
Chris: " The hospitality I have seen in Yola should be an example for similar situations worldwide. The series shows that, with the help of others, people in any society are capable of supporting each other. Without limitations or conditions, just the driving force of being human."
