The number of people who have starved to death has risen to 51 in the past 10 days, according to Amadi State Governor Joseph Ngere.

Earlier this month, 47 people reportedly died from conditions related to hunger; and more than 20,000 others are severely food insecure and at risk of starvation in three different counties.

They include Yeri, Bahar Grinti and Mvolo counties. Officials blamed the food crisis on poor harvests and insecurity.

“I’ve just talked to one of the representatives of the WFP and he told me that they had bought enough sorghum and they are preparing to bring it to these areas,” Ngere stated.

However, Governor Ngere says they have received complaints from the UN agency about harassment they face along the road from Juba to Amadi state.

“Those people in the bush are outlaws. If they find food, they take it by force, because those organizations don’t want military escorts,” Ngere added.

But he said forces have been deployed to secure the road despite the refusal of effort by the WFP.

Amadi is now one of the states where people have died of hunger in recent months.

Other states that have reported similar deaths include Kapoeta state where several people have died of hunger.

In Buma state, nearly 20 people were reported to have starved to death in May.

Read: Amadi residents flee hunger