Banditry: Niger govt decries influx of IDPs into camps in 11 out of 25 LGs
By:Prescila Dennis.
The Niger State Commissioner for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management,Hon Suleman Baba Yumu has decried the daily influx of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to about 11 out of 25 local government headquarters and towns affected by banditry activities across the state.
He disclosed that so far, there are about 29,774 IDPs spread across various camps that comprised of 7,650 women, 3,201 men and 11,100 and 13oit of school children, with additional 108 persons with special needs,
The commissioner stated this during the flag- off and distribution of empowerment equipment to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and Poverty Alleviation in Gwada Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
He described the situation as so alarming and pathetic and the state government is now faced with providing all necessary amenities and food aside spending huge funds to fight the insecurity menace.
Yumu noted that for many years the state remained a force to reckon with when it comes to farming lamenting that now this is becoming history due to incessant kidnapping, senseless killings, cow rustling and other insecurity menace which has forced people from rural areas to become IDPs in many camps in 11 LGs out of 25.
He , however, added that the State government is not resting on its oars as it is adopting kinetic and non kinetic approach in restoring peace in and around our Communities.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs,Dr Betta Edu in her address lamented at the over 400 schools closed down due banditry activities across the nation, adding that plans are ongoing to ensure school children displaced as a result of the activities of the criminals are back to school.
Edu also stated that her Ministry is presently working in conjunction with UNICEF to enable the Children to return back to School through the provision of essential materials In the Schools.
She noted that the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly to put to an end Banditry activities through the dogedness of Service Chiefs and other security agencies in the country.
The Minister then urged students in all the schools in Niger state to avail themselves of the programs initiated to better their living and by actively participating in the training to benefit from the conditional cash transfer.
