WHERE ARE WE GOING? The humanitarian crisis resulting from activities of insurgents in the North East of the country is showing no sign of abating, going by reports from different agencies in and outside of the country. Apart from concerns about the escalating number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the poor living conditions in the IDPs camps is alarming and calls for more commitment from all concerned. The growing number of IDPs from the North East is as much a threat as the insurgency itself. Reports have it that the few available camps lack adequate facilities and in addition, their poor sanitation situation makes them breeding grounds for diseases that could balloon into epidemics; something we cannot afford. The situation in that part of the country, where insurgents have held sway for a long time now, leaving blood and tears in their wake has worsened recently, with the taking over of some towns in the region by the insurgents. Fortunately, some of them have been reclaimed by the military and many of the insurgents killed or subdued. In spite of this success recorded by the military, it is not yet uhuru for residents and indigenes of the affected towns, many of whom are currently forced to take refuge in camps across neighboring states, where they face the challenges of insufficient food and water, and poor sanitation. In Lamurde IDPs camp in Adamawa State for instance, it’s a staggering ratio of 300 people to one toilet. The situation is not much different at the Damare NYSC IDPs camp, where at least 100 people share one toilet. The result of such conditions has been the reported death of about 20 persons from cholera. We find it pertinent to point out that the issue at stake now is how to curb the crisis and fast enough to halt worse health crises. There is the need to quickly address the resettlement question, so that victims of the insurgency can begin to rebuild their lives and any further social and economic crises be averted. The Borno State government has reportedly spent over N20billion in the last three years to assist and resettle IDPs across the state and rebuild their houses. Sadly though, the houses have been destroyed again by the defiant insurgents. It is almost two months now since about N58billion was purportedly raised by the federal government to support victims of terror in the country, but since the ceremony, nothing more has been heard. Could it be that those who promised funds are yet to redeem their pledges? And what is the committee on the funds doing about it, so that the support these victims so urgently need can be provided? Nigeria is already leading the list of persons displaced by conflicts in Africa, with the number of its IDPs pegged at 3.3 million, and it is third highest in the world. We cannot afford for things to get worse.
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 16:24:54 +0000
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