The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) residing in the Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi camps have lamented the neglect they suffer, citing a daily deterioration of their conditions.
During a visit by the Niger State Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists to the IDP camps in Gwada and Kuta, Shiroro Local Council, the IDPs voiced their grievances.
According to Yusuf Kuta, the Shiroro IDP Desk Officer and Coordinator, numerous challenges plague the camps, with many victims, mostly women, forced to live outside the facility.
He attributed the dire situation to attacks by bandits and Boko Haram terrorists, which have affected 42 settlements across three local councils. Kuta urgently appealed for assistance, highlighting the plight of 50 malnourished children receiving treatment due to inadequate food for breastfeeding women.
Despite the challenges, he expressed gratitude for the recent support from the Nigerian Red Cross.
“Kuta IDP camp has been in existence since 2019. And to the glory of Allah, we are managing it. But the IDPs here are suffering because their communities have been burnt down by bandits. Some of them are sick and currently in the hospital, and we don’t have adequate drugs.
“About 80 people sleep in one classroom. You know that can cause diseases and sicknesses,” Kuta noted.
The coordinator of the Shiroro IDP camp, Yusuf Kuta, acknowledged the council chairman’s recent donation of drugs, but noted that they were quickly depleted due to the high demand from sick individuals.
Ahmed Al-Mustapha, a resident of the camp, highlighted the dire conditions, including inadequate food, shelter, and toilet facilities, as well as the prevalence of disease and out-of-school children.
He emphasized the need for restored security to enable their return home. Al-Mustapha shared how his community has faced relentless attacks by criminals since the military’s departure, resulting in loss of life.
In response, Commissioner Baba Yumu and Director-General Abdullahi Arah reassured that the government is committed to addressing the needs of over 42,000 IDPs across the state, and has been working to provide food, shelter, and medical care.
They affirmed their dedication to prioritizing the welfare of those in need, especially during emergencies.
 residing in the Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi camps have lamented the neglect they suffer, citing a daily deterioration of their conditions.){kind=link}