The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Internally displaced persons (IDPs)

  • IDPs in Maiduguri demand return to Bama

    IDPs in Maiduguri demand return to Bama

    The Bama Initiative for Human Development, an NGO, on Sunday in Maiduguri staged a peaceful demonstration demanding the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their respective communities in Bama.

    The group’s Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Hassan, said that the IDPs would want to return and continue their normal activities in view of the prevailing peace in the state.

    Hassan noted that about 70 per cent of the reconstruction and rehabilitation projects had been completed in the area, saying that they were tired of living as displaced persons.

    “We are in Maiduguri for more than three years without meaningful means of livelihoods. The condition of our people is pathetic.

    “The elongation in the process of returning displaced persons to their homes is moving at a snail pace and exposed them to unbearable conditions.

    “We could no longer send our children to school; many have died of hunger and starvation. Most of us live in host communities and no one is supporting us,” Hassan stated.

    He said that most of them were traumatised, coupled with serious neglect and poor living condition, adding that they are ready to trek back to Bama.

    The Police, however, stopped the demonstrators from embarking on the trek and urged them to drop the idea because of safety.

    Mr Damian Chukwu, the Police Commissioner in the state, said that the group had not notified the command over their planned return to Bama.

    He advised the IDPs to dialogue with the state government and other stakeholders over their demand so that adequate preparations would be made.

    “The police have a duty to protect you and we will not allow you to gather people and expose them to danger in the name of home return.

    “Also, there is massive reconstruction and rehabilitation works going on in the town, executed by the Federal and State Government under the Bama Initiative.

    “We will not allow you to go because of your safety, you better go back and wait for the time when government will permit your return to the town,” he said.

    In his reaction, Gov. Kashim Shettima urged the IDPs to cooperate with government to fast-track the completion of rehabilitation projects in the town.

    Malam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser to the governor, Communication and Media Strategy made this known in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

    “It is to the government’s advantage if IDPs return home because their return will lessen economic burden of supporting them as displaced persons.

    “The greatest wish of the governor is the safe and dignified return of all IDPs to their communities. Much as he wants the IDPs to return, he is also concerned about their safety.

    “Gov. Shettima is consistently committed to the ongoing rebuilding of private homes, police stations, hospitals, schools, water facilities, markets, council secretariats and other essential services in communities across 15 local government areas of the state,’’ he said.

    Gusau explained that government had constructed 20,000 housing units in Bama and provided modern health facilities, schools and police stations in the area.

    He added that the Federal Government was currently training a special Anti-Terrorism Squad and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to be deployed to the town under the Bama Initiative.

    The spokesman added that the special squad and the agro-rangers, specifically trained to secure farmers in their farmlands would replace the military.

    “We have to ensure that there is full return of civil security before IDPs can return.

    “The governor encourages safe and dignified return only after putting the right things in place,” Gusau said.

    According to him, the state government had re-built houses and re-settled displaced persons in parts of Kaga, Konduga and Gwoza Local Government Areas of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that thousands of persons were forced to flee their homes when the Boko Haram insurgents sacked Bama town in 2014.

    Hundreds of people were killed, maimed or abducted while the entire structures in the town were razed by the insurgents.

  • Buhari means well for South-East, says Ikisikpo

    Buhari means well for South-East, says Ikisikpo

    Former Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Mr. Clever Ikisipo, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari was passionate about developing the South-East and the South-South.

    Insisting that Buhari loved the geopolitical zones, Ikisikpo advised the people of the zones to forego their grievances and deep-seated suspicions to enable them benefit from the policies and programmes of the Federal Government.

    Speaking to the Nation in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Ikisikpo said Buhari was only interested in ensuring that peace reigned in the country adding that his push for peace and unity should not be misconstrued as hatred to a particular region.

    He said: “I call on all well meaning Nigerians especially the people of the South-South and South-East to give the PMB led government a chance and massively support the Change Agenda.

    “The people of this two regions will benefit a lot if they shelve outside their grievances and whatever suspicions they harbor and allow government policies and programmes mature”.

    He flayed persons criticizing Buhari’s speech at the just-concluded 72nd United Nations General Assembly saying the President’s speech was strategic.
    Ikisikpo said the speech was strategic for the international community grappling with security threats and for developing nations struggling to get looted funds repatriated to enable them fast track infrastructural development and economic growth.

    “Indeed, while we earnestly await the cooperation of the international community with the Buhari-led administration, all hands must be ready at home to help actualise the change agenda. The unity of Nigeria is important if we must maintain our giant status in Africa and pride of place in the world”, he said.

    He said the President was taking required steps to implement all the suggestions he made to the international community at home.

    He said: “The appealed to the UN to expand and consolidate on her peace and security roles in the globe, at home Buhari is practising peace by curbing insurgency and secessionist threats.

    “The President called on the UN to double her efforts on humanitarian crisis world over, at home is not turning blind eyes to Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) in the North-East and the Army/IPOB clashes in the South-East and Militancy in the Niger-Delta.

    “Hence he dispatched five northern Governors to the south on peace tour. The President is much interested in a restructured UN, at home the ruling party has set up a restructuring committee to address growing agitations in the country”.

  • Air Force treats 200 IDP’s in Benue

    Air Force treats 200 IDP’s in Benue

    The Nigerian Air Force has administered free treatment to no fewer than 200 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the flood in Benue.

    Squadron Leader Jeremiah Amase, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi that some of the patients were suffering from hypertension, Malaria, diarrhea, upper and lower respiratory infections among others.

    The Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, had earlier inaugurated the “Medical Outreach Programme” to assist IDPs as part of the Nigerian Airforce’s ( NAF ) social responsibility to the people of the state.

    Amase explained that the over 200 patients attended to responded to treatment.

    He said that the clinic had not received any case beyond the medical team’s capability and commended the efforts of medical doctors from the Benue State University Makurdi for their collaboration.

    He, however, disclosed that the major challenge facing the camp was lack of water and poor sanitation system which he said was being addressed.

    NAN reports that the NAF is collaborating with the State Government, UNICEF and other international and local organisations to assist the flood victims.

  • Flood: Air Force treats 200 IDP’s in Benue

    Flood: Air Force treats 200 IDP’s in Benue

    The Nigerian Air Force has administered free treatment to no fewer than 200 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the flood in Benue.

    Squadron Leader Jeremiah Amase, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi that some of the patients were suffering from hypertension, Malaria, diarrhea, upper and lower respiratory infections among others.

    The Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, had earlier inaugurated the “Medical Outreach Programme” to assist IDPs as part of the Nigerian Airforce’s (NAF) social responsibility to the people of the state.

    Amase explained that the over 200 patients attended to responded to treatment.

    He said that the clinic had not received any case beyond the medical team’s capability and commended the efforts of medical doctors from the Benue State University Makurdi for their collaboration.

    He, however, disclosed that the major challenge facing the camp was lack of water and poor sanitation system which he said was being addressed.

    NAN reports that the NAF is collaborating with the State Government, UNICEF and other international and local organisations to assist the flood victims.

    The Minister of State for Environment, Mr Ibrahim Jibril, has called on international donor agencies and other philanthropists to support Benue government in tackling the menace of flood in the state.

    Jibril stated this on Monday in Makurdi while on assessment tour of the flooded areas and some camps for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

    The minister, who expressed concerns over the level of devastation, said it was beyond the capacity of the state.
    He appealed to the International community to assist the state government tackle the disaster.

    He attributed the cause of the flood to indiscriminate building on waterways and the blockage of drains which interrupted water flow.

    “This situation is devastating; we will seek help from the international agencies for the flood victims in Benue.

    “Many people built on water ways and blocked water channels in Makurdi, I have gone round the town and discovered that there are buildings in areas that ordinarily should not harbor them.

    “It is not easy for the state government to demolish such buildings but we hope that the people will collaborate with the relevant government agencies to address the issue,” he said.

    He reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to assist the state to overcome the disaster.

    Also fielding questions from reporters, the Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu, said the state government was overwhelmed by the flood.

    He said that 21 local government councils were facing “serious ecological challenges”.

  • Rotary committed to assisting Nigeria meet WHO Polio-free certification in 2019

    Rotary committed to assisting Nigeria meet WHO Polio-free certification in 2019

    Rotary International has reassured Nigerians of its commitment to support the country in ending polio infection in Nigeria and secure World health Organistion (WHO) Polio-free certification by 2019.

    Dr Tunji Funsho of Rotary International District 9110, Nigeria and Chairman, Rotary Nigeria PolioPlus Committee, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt.

    Rotary International District 9110, Nigeria, covers all Rotary Clubs in Lagos and Ogun States.

    Funsho spoke with NAN on the sidelines of the visit of Rotary International PolioPlus Committee Chair, Michael McGovern to Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    He said that as part of efforts to combat polio, the club was collaborating with the Nigerian Medical Corps to ensure that children in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camps across the North-East were adequately immunised.

    “You may recall that Nigeria was on the verge of being certified Polio-free by the WHO but this was truncated following the return of four infected children who as a result of insurgency in the North-East were not duly immunised.

    “Our most recent strategy to combating the disease is by getting the Nigerian military to assist us to immunise children in IDP camps.

    “We are making efforts to ensure that the Nigerian Medical Corps takes up immunisation exercise to those areas we may not be able to cover due to our peculiar security challenges,’’ he said.

    Funsho said that though most parts of the western world were already free from polio over two decades ago, they have remained committed to contributing funds and technical support to end the epidemic in other parts of the world.

    “Recently, the U.K. government has provided 100 million Pounds sterling to enhance global fight against polio.

    “The same with other governments, European Union, Canada and even the Nigerian government.

    “Here in Nigeria, the Federal Government has also provided 95 million dollars to combat the disease.

    “I think Nigeria saw its last polio case last year and so I’m hopeful that in the next two years we shall be certified a polio-free country,’’ he said.

    The chairman said that the club in partnership with WHO, UNICEF and community development bodies would remain focused on ensuring that no child was paralysed by polio.

    Funsho added that the club in an effort to end polio was also setting up robust structures to tackle other childhood diseases.

    NAN reports that Rotarians have helped to immunise more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries.

    Nigeria is one of the remaining three countries where polio is still present though Aug. 24 will make it one year since the country reported any new case of polio.

    It is for this reason that the International PolioPlus Committee Chair Rotarian McGovern is on an advocacy visit and while in Nigeria, he will meet with the Government of Nigeria.

    He will also assess the levels of polio immunisation implementation and will meet with Rotarians and PolioPlus team members as well as visit IDP camps and tour polio projects in Lagos, Abuja and Maidugiri.

  • Bureau de change operators pledge support for IDPs

    Bureau de change operators pledge support for IDPs

    The Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) on Tuesday, pledged to assist in reducing the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East.

    Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, President of the group, made the pledge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Gwadabe said that members of the association were willing to make voluntary contributions to meet the humanitarian challenges in the IDP camps in the north-east.

    According to him, the planned support for the IDPs was in line ABCON’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and members’ sacrifices toward assisting the oppressed.

    He said that the association had also resolved to solicit for help for the internally displaced persons in the country.

    “The IDPs lack a voice for international support and we are set to come to their aid,’’ Gwadabe said.

    He commended international organisations and some philanthropic Nigerians for their contributions so far in ameliorating the suffering of the IDPs.

    According to him, the association was particularly moved by the recent donation of N360 million by 18 state governments from the north to cushion the suffering of the IDPs.

    “The recent donation by 18 governors from the north is highly commendable,” he said.

    Gwadabe also called for a prudent management of the resources generated for the IDPs.

    NAN reports that since the commencement of the insurgency in 2014, close to two million people have been displaced and 32 IDP camps created to cater for their needs.

    Meanwhile the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said that about 6.5 million people have been marked for life-saving assistance in north-eastern Nigeria in 2017.

    OCHA said that of this figure, an estimated 1.9 million people had been displaced in Adamawa, Bauchi, Bornu, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe.

    The UN agency said about $1.1 billion was required to meet the needs of the people, adding that about $480.1 million had been spent so far while $574.3 million remained the funding gap.

  • Yobe, World Bank, others support IDPs with farm inputs for economic recovery

    Yobe, World Bank, others support IDPs with farm inputs for economic recovery

    Yobe Government in collaboration with the World Bank and humanitarian agencies had supported returnee displaced persons and those still in camp with farm inputs to enable them to engage in agricultural activities toward economic recovery.

    Alhaji Musa Jidawa, Permanent Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Sunday.

    Jidawa said the state government had provided 300 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) with farmlands, tractors seeds and fertilisers.

    He said the UNDP in collaboration with Japanese Government, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the Victims Support Fund (VSF) had also supported the IDPs with cash, improved seeds, fertilisers and livestock.

    The World Bank Fadama lll Additional Financing ll project on its part, has supported vulnerable persons and IDPs with agricultural inputs, livestock, poultry and inputs for fish farming under the North- East food security and livelihood support project.

    Alhaji Musa Garba, the State Project Coordinator, Fadama lll AF ll, said the Yobe Government had paid N20 million counterpart fund for the project with 5,000 households expected to benefit from the programme.

    Garba said over 2,000 vulnerable households from Gujba, Gulani, Nangere, Bade, Jakusko,Yunusari, Giedam and Potiskum local government areas had already benefitted from the projects.

    “Those in irrigation farming were provided with water pump machines, sprayers, fertilisers and herbicides, we also supported poultry farmers with birds and feeds.

    “The livestock beneficiaries were supported with a set of three She-goats and one He-goat or, three sheep and two rams per household.

    “It is very encouraging that the poultry farmers have started selling eggs to improve their economy, while the goats have started multiplying,” he said.

    The project coordinator said foodstuff such as rice, beans, maize and vegetable oil were also provided to the benefitting households to protect the water pumps, birds and the livestock from being sold off.

    Malam Wakil Kaigama, a farmer in Bumsa village, said, “I have expanded my rice farm and established a banana plantation with support from Fadama lll AF ll.

    “Each of the 20 Fadama lll beneficiaries in this village received a water pump machine, seeds, sprayers, herbicides and pesticides,’’ Kaigama said.

    Abdu Liman, a poultry farmer in Buni-Gari, said he was supported with 40 hybrid poultry layers.
    “My family members now eat eggs daily, and we also sell a cartoon of eggs every day,” Liman said.

  • NEMA says three dead, 15 injured in suicide bomb attack on Maiduguri IDPs camp

    NEMA says three dead, 15 injured in suicide bomb attack on Maiduguri IDPs camp

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the death of three persons in a suicide bomb attack at the Dalori Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Maiduguri on Sunday night.

    The NEMA North-East Zonal Information Officer, Mr Abdulkadir Ibrahim, confirmed this on Monday, adding that 15 other persons were injured during the incident.

    A competent security source had earlier told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that a female suicide bomber was shot by security men when she tried to cross the perimeter fence at the camp.

    “They shot her and the explosive device strapped to her body detonated, and blew the woman into pieces,” the source said.

    The source added that a male suicide bomber had also infiltrated the camp and detonated the explosives strapped to his body and killed four persons.

    “Two persons died on the spot while two others died at the hospital,” the source adde

  • 300,000 IDPs benefit from NAF free medical service in two years – CMO

    300,000 IDPs benefit from NAF free medical service in two years – CMO

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), said on Monday that no fewer than 300,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have benefited from its free medical services in two years.

    The NAF Chief Medical Officer, AVM Sale Shinkafi, who made the disclosure in Maiduguri, said that the patients received free treatment at the various medical outreaches organised by the service.

    Shinkafi said that the medical interventions included general surgeries, obstetrics, gynaecology and ophthalmology.

    He explained that exercise, conducted in Abuja, Yola, Maiduguri among others, enabled no fewer than 300,000 IDPs with different ailments to receive free treatment within the period.

    The chief medical officer disclosed that the command was currently conducting surgical operations on 300 IDPs in Borno.

    “The exercise is part of the NAF medical intervention designed to alleviate the surgical condition of IDPs in Borno State.

    “About 100 IDPs with special cases are selected each from three camps; Dalori, Banki and Bama, to benefit from the exercise.

    “This is part of a comprehensive intervention towards improving the health status of the IDPS”.

    Shinkafi added that NAF had also established two clinics at Dalori and Bama IDPs camps, noting that the health facilities were equipped with modern gadgets.

    The chief medical officer revealed that some 150 eye surgeries were done in Maiduguri in 2016 while over 35, 000 IDPs received free medical treatment in the area in the last two years.

    “More than 10, 000 IDPs were also treated at the NAF emergency center in Bama.

    “We are also providing psycho-social therapy to traumatized IDPs and cancer screening services,” he added.

    According to him, the command is also providing free meals to 500 pupils in Bama under its nutrition support scheme.

  • Army kills 404 insurgents in mop-up operations in Borno

    Army kills 404 insurgents in mop-up operations in Borno

    The Nigerian army on Thursday said it killed 404 Boko Haram insurgents and arrest 810 others in various operations in the past five months.

    Maj.-Gen. Attahiru Ibrahim, the Commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole, made the disclosure at a press briefing in Maiduguri.

    Ibrahim said the insurgents were killed during operations designed to clear remnant of the fleeing Boko Haram members.

    He said that the troops encountered the insurgents at various fronts including Marte, Mafa, Dikwa, Damboa and Gwoza.

    “Some 860 settlements were cleared and 19,640 civilians were rescued from the insurgents.

    “Also, 810 insurgents, including a high-profile member of the insurgency, were arrested within the period under review.

    “The rescued civilians were screened and placed at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps,’’ Ibrahim said.

    According to him, during this operations, troops recovered various ammunitions and destroyed camps.

    The commander said that 97 attacks using Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) were recorded, adding that some of the attacks were neutralised by the troops.

    According to him, about seven soldiers died while nine others were wounded during the operation.

    He explained that the command, in joint operations with the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), had cleared 11 settlements on Lake Chad basin in Kangarwa and Marte as well as in parts of Cameroun and Chad.

    He listed Domo, Kelewa, Damara, Abaga, Karo, Kunaguma and Jugulu Kara as some of the liberated communities.

    Ibrahim also explained that the insurgents had resorted to IEDS attacks on civilians in view of the success recorded by the military in its campaign against them.

    The commander reiterated the commitments of the Nigerian Army to end insurgency while protecting lives and property in the country.

    He advised the people to be vigilant and support the military to enable it to discharge its duties effectively.