The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Internally displaced persons (IDPs)

  • Army probes soldiers’ misconduct in IDPs camp

    Army probes soldiers’ misconduct in IDPs camp

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. – Gen. Tukur Buratai, has ordered investigation into alleged misconduct by soldiers in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bama, Borno.

    The  Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. – Gen. Sani Usman, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri on Tuesday.

    ‘‘The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern growing allegations of misconduct against some persons on security duties at an IDPs camp in Bama, Borno.

    ‘‘We would like to state that Nigerian Army personnel have been doing their best in bringing peace and security in various parts of the country especially in the North East; any act of misconduct could negatively impact on these good works,’’ Usman said.

    He added: ‘‘Although these allegations are unsubstantiated, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.Tukur Buratai, has directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated by both the Director, Military Intelligence and Provost Marshal (Army).

    ‘‘We would like to reiterate that the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for any misconduct among its officers and soldiers especially those that are trusted with onerous responsibility of guarding and securing those Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps.

    “Anyone found culpable would be severely dealt with,” he warned.

    The Director enjoined the public to make use of the newly established Nigerian Army Information and Call Centre to report any such issue and other security concerns to the Army authorities.

    He advised the public to report such matters by calling the short code 193 using any of the telecommunication service providers network in Nigeria.

  • Saraki to IDPs: Government will not forget you

    Saraki to IDPs: Government will not forget you

    …Visits camp in Abuja

     

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Wednesday assured Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in some parts of the country that government will continue work to ensure their security, social and economic wellbeing as well as safe return to their homesteads.

    Saraki said the government will not forget the displaced persons.

    The Senate President spoke when he led a Senate delegation on a visit to the IDP camp at Kuchigoro, near the Games Village, Abuja.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja said that the delegation was received by the evangelist of the camp, Mr. Jude Kaghala and other leaders of the camp.

    It said Saraki donated food items including rice and toiletries for distribution to inhabitants of the camp.

    He noted that while the executive was working in collaboration with the legislature to rehabilitate and resettle the IDPs in their original communities, government will ensure that their life is made better on a daily basis.

    “We have not forgotten you and we will not forget you,” Saraki said. “We will continue to work to ensure that you return to your individual villages and towns. But while you are here, we will ensure that your life is made better every day.

    “This is why we decided to come and identify with you, to know how you are coping and to comfort you. We share your pains and we are doing what needs to be done to make your towns and villages habitable once again. We will make sure you live a better life.”

    Senators that accompany Saraki on the visit to the Kuchigoro IDPs camp, include Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan, Philip Aduda, Abubakar Kyari, Mohammed Hassan and Baba Kaka Garbai.

    Earlier the Evangelist of the Camp, Mr. Khagala thanked the Senate President and his team for the visit and the food items and toiletries he donated for use by the IDPs.

    He promised that the rice, soaps, deodorants and body spray he donated will be evenly distributed among the IDPs, especially the pregnant women and children. He said the food could not have come at a better time than this Ramadan period.

    While praying for the Senate President and his delegation for the august visit and donation of items to alleviate their plight, he called on other well-meaning individuals in society to emulate the Senate President’s kind and fatherly gesture.

    “We are honoured to receive you in our midst today. We want to thank Mr. Senate President and all the distinguished Senators for this visit. We also thank the Senate President for the rice and all the other items he has donated to us.

    “We will distribute them to our people here to help them as they partake in the Ramadan fast. We cannot thank him and the Senate enough. We also thank you for the work the Senate has done in passing a bill to create the North East Development Commission. We pray the Almighty Allah to reward you,” Kaghala said.

     

  • Ramadan: Saraki urges prayers for Buhari, help for IDPs

    Ramadan: Saraki urges prayers for Buhari, help for IDPs

    The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has called on Muslims and all Nigerians to dedicate Ramadan period to offer prayers for the recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari and nation’s prosperity.

    Saraki, in a message he signed, said the Holy month presented another opportunity for Nigerians to show love to the less privileged, especially those currently living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps across the country.

    “It is a great pleasure and honour to once again felicitate with millions of Nigerian Muslims, and of course, Muslims across the world, on the start of the glorious month of Ramadan.

    “Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.

    “Ramadan is a unique symbol of the values that Muslims and people of all faiths share – that is charity, cooperation, compassion and self-restraint,” he said.

    He added that Ramadan was also an occasion for Muslims to strengthen family and community ties and share God’s gifts with those in need.

    “This is why I invite us to reflect on the conditions of our brothers and sisters in IDPs camps that for no fault of their own are unable to fast in the comfort of their homes like you and I.

    “This heart-breaking conditions, therefore, remind us all of our common humanity and compel us into positive actions that could bring a permanent end to the situations.

    “I like to also use this occasion to pray for the quick recovery of our dear President, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “My thoughts and prayers are always with him just as I wish for him a complete and restful recovery.

    “May the glory and blessings of this month shine upon us now and always,” he said.

     

  • Yobe records 100 deliveries in IDP camp in two years

    Yobe records 100 deliveries in IDP camp in two years

    The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has registered 100 births at the Pompomari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Damaturu in two years.

    Alhaji Musa Jidawa, the SEMA’s Executive Secretary made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Damaturu.

    He said that 57 boys and 43 girls were delivered at the camp clinic safely.

    “The camp clinic provided all the ante-natal care and the deliveries were very safe with mothers and babies in very good health,’’ he said.

    SEMA on Thursday organized a lavish ceremony for the 2,000 camp inmates to celebrate the birth of the 100 babies.

    It also donated 100 wrappers and baby clothes to each of the 100 mothers and babies as well as birth certificates obtained from the National Population Commission (NPC).

    Jidawa commended the state government for providing adequate feeding, medical care, clothing as well as water and sanitation facilities in the camp to support the displaced persons.

    “The support provided by the state government and other humanitarian agencies had given the IDPs a sense of belonging and an opportunity to live a normal and dignified life in the camp,’’ he said.

    Mr Midala Usman, the Head United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) in Yobe commended SEMA for providing access to good medical care to the mothers and babies.

    Musa Mshelia, an NPC Assistant Director, Birth registration, urged parents to emulate SEMA in obtaining birth certificates for their children and wards.

    Bintu Modu, a mother of five, said her four deliveries in her village came with complications, adding that she had a safe delivery at the camp due to the medical services at the camp.

     

    “I most sincerely thank Yobe government, SEMA and all other agencies who contributed to safe delivery of pregnant women and thereby saving the lives of mothers and children,’’ she said.

  • IDPs cannot return to Bama before Ramadan – Shettima

    IDPs cannot return to Bama before Ramadan – Shettima

    Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno has said that returning Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to Bama Local Government Area before Ramadan is no longer feasible because of current military operations in Sambisa Forest.

    Shettima had promised to return IDPs to liberated communities by 29, May.

    However on Tuesday, the governor announced a change of plan when he inaugurated 12 public infrastructure rebuilt by Borno Government in Bama with N360 million provided by the Victims Support Fund (VSF).
    The fund, established in 2014 with public donations, has retired Lt.-Gen.  Theophilus .Y Danjuma as Chairman.

    The governor said: “Our goal was for our people to be able to return to Bama before this Ramadan.

    ‘’Unfortunately, this is not feasible because the military is still carrying out operations in some areas around the Sambisa as part of mop up exercise in the yet to be concluded fight against Boko Haram.

    “We will continue to work with security agencies to review situations. Our number one priority is the security and safety of our people.

    “We will not allow any IDP return to any community that has not regained 100 per cent safety.

    “When IDP’S return to communities, they will still need to go to their farms, markets and to travel for economic and social purposes.

    “We must be sure that farms are safe and routes are safe before we allow our people to return. But even while we do the reviews, we will continue with our aggressive reconstruction works.’’
    He added: “We will not wait till eternity.

    ‘’We are very optimistic that very soon, the entire Borno will be safe enough for full habitation. We look forward to Borno reclaiming peace, security and progress.”

    Shettima said the government was laying emphasis on Bama but paying attention to all parts of the state.

    ”For the purpose of setting records straight, I think I should use this opportunity to once again explain that  our focus is on all parts of Borno not just on Bama.

    “Our reconstruction works actually started in northern Borno where we rebuilt numerous public and private infrastructures in Kaga Local Government Area.

    “We are currently working in 14 local government areas but there is special emphasis on Bama, Mobbar and Gwoza.’’

    He said Bama was getting the highest attention because it was adjudged the worst hit by the insurgency in the Northeast.

    He said the Post Insurgency Recovery and Peace Building Assessment conducted on the Northeast by the World Bank, the European Union, the Presidency and State Government in the northeast indicated so.

    “More than 80 per cent of public and private infrastructures were destroyed by Boko Haram during their occupation.

    “The Boko Haram as we all know, also occupied Gwoza but they did not destroy Gwoza as much as they destroyed Bama.

    “So, our idea of facing Bama is to confront the most difficult challenge in a bold manner so that our task becomes less.’’

    Shettima said next to Bama in terms of massive destruction was Mobbar.

    ‘’We are currently working in Mobbar. We have deployed so much resources so that we also confront the rebuilding challenge” he said.
    In his remarks, Danjuma, represented by Vice- Chairman of VSF, Tijjani Tumsah, said the fund decided to intervene in Bama because it was impressed by the efforts of the Borno Government.

    He said while the fund provided N250 million for the reconstruction of 24 projects in Dikwa last year, the state government used the fund to rebuild not only the 24 projects but added 16 others.

     

  • Obsolete maps caused bombing of IDP camps, says NIS

    Obsolete maps caused bombing of IDP camps, says NIS

    The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Saturday, blamed use of obsolete maps for the tragic bombing of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Rann village of Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State by the military.

    A fighter jet involved in the counter-terrorist operation in the North-East mistakenly bombed aid providers, soldiers and displaced persons in error, killing about 100 persons.

    Speaking in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, after 52nd Annual General Meeting and conference of NIS, the President of the body, Akinloye Oyegbola, said the error would have been averted if the map used for the operation were updated.

    Oyegbola called for regular update of the country’s maps by the government to avoid such tragedy in the future.

    He said: ”The maps we have on ground are very obsolete. If we are really to develop in a sustainable manner, we should intensify our mapping and not just the general mapping, but maps for different purposes.

    ”The ones we have now have not covered the whole country and the ones that have covered the country are very obsolete.

    ”When the IDP camp was erroneously bombed, there was a release that whatever map that was used for that trip was not updated. Because if it was updated, the IDP camp would have been on the map.

    “And if it was on that map, there was no way they could have bomed the IDP camp erroneously. So, you see what we are talking about. We will continue to echo that and we pray and hope that the people in government will appreciate it.

    ”It is always said that the most developed countries are the most mapped countries in the world. There is a reason for that, because they already know what mapping is all about and they want their own development to be in a sustainable manner, that is why you have it like that and that is what we are advocating for in our own country.”

    He said that despite the importance of surveyors to national development, many Nigerians were yet to know when to seek their services.

    He regretted that in the construction of bridges, houses and other structures, surveyors were not given their right of pride of place like other registered professional bodies.

    The said that the greatest hindrance facing the surveying profession was like of public knowledge about surveyors and their roles in the society.

    Oyegbola said: “People often forget that in anything you do on land, survey comes in first. But many people don’t know about this fact and those who seem to know, actually know very little about it.

    “In those colourful bridges and imposing structures you see across the country, the surveyors have worked tirelessly to make their columns stand as balanced as they look, but many people do not understand that.

    “That is why when it comes to government and the award of contracts for development projects, we are always taking the back seat.”

  • Arik Air resumes Maiduguri flights, donates items to IDPs

    Arik Air resumes Maiduguri flights, donates items to IDPs

    Arik Air on Tuesday resumed flight operations to Maiduguri, after suspending flights to the North Eastern city since 2013 due to insecurity.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the airline’s Boeing 737-700 aircraft landed at the Maiduguri International Airport at 11.06 am and was received by aviation personnel and other dignitaries.

    Speaking to newsmen, the Vice President, Northern Operations of the airline, Mr Hamza Bukar, commended the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for restoring peace to the North East region.

    Bukar recalled that the airline suspended operations to Maiduguri in December 2013 following the attack on the airport by Boko Haram insurgents.

    “We are here in line with the achievements by the government of the day. They have done a very good job.

    “Security in Borno State has been restored. The state is now in the eyes of the international community and that is why Arik wants to be a part of the success story.

    “We want to complement efforts made by the government and we are here to reclaim our position as the pacesetter of aviation in West Africa,’’ he said.

    Bukar said flights to Maiduguri via Abuja would operate three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with the possibility of increasing frequency in the coming weeks.

    The Airport Manager, Maiduguri International Airport, Mr Mohammed Saidu, in his remark, said that security had improved in the state which led to the return of commercial flight operations.

    Saidu said Medview Airline and Azman Air were already operating flights in and out of Maiduguri, noting that the return of Arik Air would give passengers more options.

    Meanwhile, some officials of Arik Air visited the Teachers Village Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp and donated relief items to them.

    The items, which included foodstuffs, clothes and sanitary products, were received by the camp officials on behalf of the displaced persons from Ngala and Kukawa Local Government Areas of the state.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Bukar said the gesture was aimed at supporting the efforts of the Federal and Borno State Governments in ameliorating the plights of those displaced by insurgency.

    “This is one of the numerous corporate social responsibilities of the company to the state. It is our time to give back to the society,’’ he said.

    The vice president congratulated the governor and the people of the state for the peace achieved and prayed for its sustenance.

    Responding, the Camp Coordinator, Mr Ali Idi thanked airline for providing assistance to the camp which was accommodating 7,793 IDPs.

    “For somebody to come all the way from Lagos to come and see the plights of the IDPs, it is commendable, and we thank Allah and the management,’’ Idi said.

    He noted that the needs of the displaced persons were numerous and appealed to other corporate organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations to support them.

  • Borno IDPs’ living condition has improved – NEMA

    Borno IDPs’ living condition has improved – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says the living conditions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno has significantly improved.

    The North-East Coordinator of the agency, Malam Muhammad Kanar, stated this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri.

    Kanar said this followed collaborative efforts by stakeholders.

    He said unlike before, the IDPs were now living in a better environment due to such efforts.

    “Actually, everything is going on well for the IDPs now, this is because of the collaboration between all stakeholders toward addressing their problems.

    “We have lots of international organisations and donor agencies working with us to ensure their well being,” he said.

    The coordinator said organisations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) had been providing food in some of the IDPs camps.

    “WFP is taking care of IDPs in Dikwa, Bama, Banki, Gwoza and in many other satellite camps.

    “It is also in charge of Dalori, one of the largest camps in Maiduguri,” he said.

    He said that the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) was catering for the remaining camps in collaboration with NEMA.

    “The Borno State Government is collaborating with NEMA to take care of the rest of the camps across the state providing the daily needs of the Displaced Persons,’ he said.

    Kanar, however, said that there were some occasional complaints in the camps.

    “You still get some complaints and that is what you call gaps; whenever we mentioned gap we mean something is lacking.

    “This happens in case of items that expire easily like NFI, we cannot distribute the ones in our stores because they have expired,” he said.

    Kanar assured that NEMA was working with SEMA to address the problem.

    He said apart from addressing problems at IDPs camps, the Borno Government and the Federal Government were working toward rehabilitating communities ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.

    “The Borno Government has gone far in its rehabilitation and resettlement programme.

    “So many structures destroyed by the insurgents had been rebuilt, while some affected people are being rehabilitated,” he said.

    He said that the Emergency Coordination Center of the Federal Government had also swung into action.

    “The Emergency Coordination Center which is headed by the Minister of National Planning has mapped out plans for a multi-sectoral approach to rebuilding the North-East.

    “Very soon we will begin to see the results everywhere,” the coordinator said

  • We’ll not close Borno IDP camps by May 29 – NEMA

    We’ll not close Borno IDP camps by May 29 – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that the planned closure of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Borno by May 29 was no longer feasible.

    Mr Muhammad Kanar, the NEMA North East Coordinator stated on this Sunday while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri.

    Kanar said that IDPs whose communities had been liberated were, however, free to return home voluntarily.

    “Actually, Gov. Kashim Shettima arrived at the May 29 date for closure of all IDP camps based on his conviction that things will go on as they started from last year.

    “It was Shettima’s hope and the hope of every disaster management expert for the camps to close early so people can return to their normal life,” he said.

    Kanar said that the governor was motivated by the gallant efforts of the military in liberating many communities in a short period.

    “Stakeholders were amazed by the speed our gallant soldiers achieved a lot within a few weeks in the fight against insurgency.

    “They were able to recapture all the 22 Local Government Areas from the Boko Haram and liberated so many communities within and outside the areas.

    “These gave hope and focus that by May 29 government will be able to return IDPs back home.”

    He said that recent developments had almost made it impossible for the hope to be achieved.

    “But now it seems that closing the camps is not possible by the set date. We have to re-plan again.

    “By May 29, any IDP wishing to go back to his place can go, so long as the place is safe enough,” he said.

    Kanar said that the hope of returning all IDPs back home was not totally lost.

    “Up till today the hope is still there, if we can get the place safe, secured those willing to go back can still return.

    “Right now we have satellite camps in all liberated LGAs, where IDPs living in Maiduguri can stay pending when they can move to their communities.

    “If you do not want to stay in Maiduguri, you can go there. Many houses have been rehabilitated and normalcy restored in many LGA headquarters,” he said.

     

  • AEDC presents N1.5m relief materials in IDPs camp

    The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) on Thursday presented  relief materials worth N1.5 million to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Aso Gurku camp, Nasarawa State.

    It will also sponsor the immunisation of 400 children in the camp to demonstrate  its love and care  for  the less privileged in the society.

    AEDC’s  Managing Director, Mr Ernest Mupwaya, made the presentation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 1,300 displaced persons from the North East are currently resident in the Gurku inter-faith based camp, with women and children under-12 constituting a higher number of the population.

    The exercise was part of programme AEDC ‘s activities  to celebrate the World Immunization Week, celebrated every  last week of April annually.

    The immunization week is aimed at promoting the use of vaccines to protect  people of all ages against diseases.

    Mupwaya, represented by the Head of Corporate Communication, AEDC, Mr Oyebode Fadipe, said that the gesturee was part of AEDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    He said that the IDP camp was chosen to futher actualise the commitment and mandate of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

    “By this exercise, the management of AEDC further demonstrates its commitment to the belief that strengthening the healthy systems is key to breaking the cycle of extreme poverty and disease.“

    He said that the process was also designed to promote health, productivity and prosperity among the less privileged.

    Mupwaya thanked the traditional ruler of the community for providing a space for the IDPs in his kingdom.

    Responding, the Ese of Gurku, Mai Kasuwa Darbmir who spoke through an interpreter, expressed gratitude to AEDC for the gesture.

    According to him, members of his community are living  in peace with the IDPs.

    The Chairman of the camp, Mr Yohanna  Zidico exprssed happiness over the exercise, adding that a committee had already been set up to distribute the items equitably.

    He called on the government to provide more assistance, especially immunization to the camp, adding that over 600 children required the service.

    Items presented to the camp included food stuffs like bags of rice and nodules.