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Tag: IDP

  • IOM donates $1.1m to support IDPs in Benue

    IOM donates $1.1m to support IDPs in Benue

    The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has donated the sum of $1.1 million dollars (N1.69 billion) to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue.

    The Deputy Director-General (DDG) of IOM, Ugochi Daniels, who made the donation during a condolence visit to the state on Wednesday in Makurdi, said that the support was specifically for Yelewata and Naka IDPs.

    Daniels said that the donation was part of IOM’s support of the Benue Government’s efforts to return the IDPs to their ancestral homes with dignity.

    “The IOM’s support is part of a larger initiative to find durable solutions for IDPs, including helping them return to their places of origin or resettle in new locations.

    “We are always ready to collaborate with the state government to return the IDPs to their ancestral homes or resettle them in new locations of their choice,” Daniels declared.

    The DDG urged the government and stakeholders to prioritise peacebuilding in order to solve the humanitarian needs in the state.

    She said that development could only thrive in the atmosphere of peace.

    NAN reports that IOM has been actively involved in providing support to IDPs in Benue in the areas of shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene services, as well as supporting resettlement and livelihood opportunities.

    Receiving the donation, Gov. Hyacinth Alia also supported IOM with the sum of USD 50,000 as part of the state government’s contribution towards the work efforts of the organisation to dignify the lives of the IDPs.

    Alia said that the state government was proud of any partnership with IOM, saying, “the organisation has helped the government to operate in coordination by introducing biometric registration of IDPs.

    “IOM’s constant support of the Benue IDPs has transformed vulnerability into resilience; I commend the organisation for also constructing a mega camp that gave dignified shelter to the IDPs,” he said.

    The governor, who expressed concerns over the high population of IDPs in camps, said that many of them were women and children.

    He said that Benue needed a strengthened partnership to enable them to return home or integrate into new communities of their choice.

    “We are engaging relevant quarters to ensure their safe return home because that has been my dream from the onset of my administration.

    “Also, through the response we are getting, I can say that IDPs will soon return to their ancestral homes,” Alia said.

    The DDG visited the International Market IDP camp (mega camp) to assure the IDPs they were not forgotten.

  • Benue highway barricaded as IDPs protest over prolonged displacement

    Benue highway barricaded as IDPs protest over prolonged displacement

    Movement in and out of Benue State was brought to a standstill on midweek as hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) staged a protest at Yelewata, blocking a major highway and chanting, “We want to go back home!”

    The protest, which began in the early hours of the day, caused heavy gridlock and left many commuters and motorists stranded for hours.

    The IDPs, who have been living in displacement camps for years following violent attacks in their communities, said they are frustrated by the prolonged lack of resettlement and continued insecurity, especially alleged attacks by armed Fulani herders.

    “If you’re planning to travel into or out of Benue State, please put your journey on hold for now,” wrote Ukan Kurugh, a human rights activist in the state, on his official Facebook page.

    “At Yelewata, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have taken to the major highway, blocking both lanes for several hours, chanting in unison: ‘We want to go back home!’”

    Kurugh added, “The protest has left many motorists and passengers stranded, as the displaced people express their frustration over prolonged displacement and continued attacks from terrorist Fulani herdsmen.”

    The demonstrators, mostly men and youth from various IDP camps in the area, demanded immediate government intervention to ensure their safe return to ancestral communities which they fled due to persistent attacks.

    However, around 2 pm, Kurugh posted an update, confirming that a government delegation had addressed the protesters and that the traffic had been cleared.

    “Good news for travelers along the Abuja Makurdi highway! The road has now been cleared and is open to traffic after earlier disruptions,” he wrote.

    “This follows a successful intervention by a government delegation led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lord Phydel Mnyim, alongside the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command.

    “The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who had earlier blocked the road in protest, have peacefully stepped down in response to the government’s engagement.

    “We appreciate the swift action taken to restore order and thank all travelers for their patience during the disruption.”

    Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket,” has faced years of bloody conflict between farming communities and suspected armed herdsmen.

    The violence has displaced tens of thousands across the state, especially in areas like Guma, Gwer West, and Logo Local Government Areas.

    The most recent was the suspected armed herdsmen attack on Yelewata in June 2025 where hundreds of residents of the community were brutally killed.

    Many of these IDPs have lived in makeshift camps for over five years, with limited access to basic services, education, and security.

    Successive administrations in the state have repeatedly called on the Federal Government for support in resettling displaced communities, but progress has remained slow.

    Sporadic attacks in rural communities have further hampered return efforts

  • Niger assembly speaker raises alarm over child trafficking in IDP camps

    Niger assembly speaker raises alarm over child trafficking in IDP camps

    The Speaker of Niger Assembly, Mr Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has disclosed a disturbing case of child trafficking in some Internally Displaced Persons Camp (IDPs) in the state.

    He disclosed this at a plenary on the need for regulation of proliferation of unlicensed orphanages and motherless babies’ homes operating across local government areas on Thursday in Minna.

    NAN reports that the motion was brought before the house by Mr Nasir Umar (APC-Paiko).

    Umar described unregistered orphanage and motherless babies’ homes as a looming threat to child security and public safety.

    Sarkindaji said he received a call from a prominent individual that a woman allegedly took advantage of displaced parents and went away with five children from IDP camp in Shiroro, promising to enrol them in school.

    “The woman came to one of the IDPs camps in her car and told the displaced people there that she came to help them and that she wants about five children with ages between five and six years.

    “About 20 children were presented to her to select, meanwhile the parents don’t know where she came from,” he said.

    He said the parents have since raised an alarm, as the woman has not returned with the children and they do not know her whereabout.

    The Speaker expressed concern over the situation, stating “this woman took advantage of their displaced situation and exploited them”.

    According to him, this is exactly the point the member representing Paiko constituency is trying to raise in his motion.

    The speaker described the situation as “alarming” and commended the member for coming up with the motion.

    He directed the clerk of the house to transmit the part of the motion that concerns the governor to him and the part that has to do with the Ministry of Women Affairs and report back to the house on the progress.

    Earlier in his motion, Umar expressed concern over the proliferation of unlicensed orphanages and motherless babies’ homes across the state, citing the looming threat to child security and public safety.

    He noted an alarming increase in the number of unregistered and unregulated orphanages operating illegally across the state’s local government areas.

    He cited instances where 21 children from Niger were rescued by the Nigeria Immigration Service in Yobe from human trafficking syndicate enroute to Niger Republic.

    “Just of a recent some days after Sallah almost three people went missing after boarding tricycles to Paiko community, these illegal orphanages are used for these,” he said.

    The lawmaker said many of these establishment’s function outside government regulatory agencies’ purview, endangering vulnerable children’s lives.

    He observed that these unlicensed facilities serve as breeding grounds for criminal activities such as child trafficking, kidnapping, and exploitation.

    Umar said lack of proper documentation and accountability has created an enabling environment for human rights violations.

    He called on the house to direct the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to carry out a statewide verification and audit of existing orphanages.

    He said the ministry should establish a standardised licensing framework and review existing laws on child protection.

    He added that it should also recommend stiffer penalties for illegal operations and conduct public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of patronising unlicensed homes.

  • OKUAMA! Ukoko r’ Ivie Urhobo visit IDP, declare resettlement is a stop-gap arrangement, ask FG to support DTSG

    OKUAMA! Ukoko r’ Ivie Urhobo visit IDP, declare resettlement is a stop-gap arrangement, ask FG to support DTSG

    … praise Gov Oborevbwori for his massive assistance

    …donate relief materials

    …prayed for the souls of the slain soldiers

    The Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council on Thursday paid a solidarity visit to their displaced brothers and sisters that were relocated from their ancestral homes after the military invaded their communities.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG, recalls that in April , 2024 17 soldiers were ambushed and killed in the Okuama community of Ughelli South local government area of Delta State which led to a national outcry.

    During the visit after a meeting held by the council of Urhobo Traditional rulers, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, ABE 1 delivered a soul touching speech declaring that: “The IDP CAMP is a stop-gap arrangement and it
    should remain so.

    “We, once again restate our call to the
    Federal Government of Nigeria to assist the Delta State Government in rebuilding of the Okuama community.

    “The Okuama people have faced immense challenges and have
    shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity.

    “Their strength and courage inspire us to come together and offer
    whatever assistance we can provide.
    As we enter the IDP CAMP occupied by the Okuama people, we
    bring some relief materials such as food and water, but also a message of hope, solidarity, and compassion. We understand the importance of standing together in times of crisis,
    regardless of our differences or background.

    READ FULL SPEECH BELOW:

    “Today, we stand before you with heavy hearts as we witness the plight of our brothers and sisters
    from the Okuama community who have found themselves in the midst of unimaginable hardship and sufferings due to the unfortunate
    circumstances that have befallen them.

    ” As representatives of the Urhobo Nation, it is our solemn duty to
    extend a helping hand and show our unwavering support to
    those in need at this particular time.

    “We have gathered here today not as Rulers or Leaders, but as
    compassionate human beings who are united in our desire to
    alleviate the sufferings of our fellow Urhobo kindreds.

    The Okuama people have faced immense challenges and have
    shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity.

    “Their strength and courage inspire us to come together and offer whatever assistance we can provide.
    As we enter the IDP CAMP occupied by the Okuama people, we
    bring some relief materials such as food and water, but also a
    message of hope, solidarity, and compassion.

    “We understand
    the importance of standing together in times of crisis, regardless of our differences or background.

    “Let us remember that we are all part of the same human family,
    bound by the ties of empathy and compassion.

    ” Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, not out of charity, but out of
    adeep sense of shared humanity and responsibility.

    “We need not refresh our memories of the unfortunate incident
    that chased Okuama people from their ANCESTRAL HOME into
    the bush and lately into the Internally Displace Persons (IDP)
    CAMP in Ewu-Urhobo in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State.

    ” We use this opportunity to appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon.
    (Elder) Sheriff F. 0. Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State
    and his government for the establishment of this IDP CAMP to
    bring succor to the sufferings of the people of Okuama.

    “We shall leave this IDP CAMP and proceed straight to Okuama
    village for on-the-spot assessment of the situation there.

    “Seeing is believing” is a popular adage of our people. We urge
    the Delta State Government to do more, particularly in the
    AREA OF RE-SETTLING the Okuama people in their ANCESTRAL
    HOME.

    ” It is obvious that the people will be more relaxed and forget the trauma of the past early, when they are on their
    HOMELAND.

    “The IDP CAMP is a stop-gap arrangement and it
    should remain so. We, once again restate our call to the
    Federal Government of Nigeria to assist the Delta State
    Government in rebuilding of the Okuama community.

    “Meanwhile, we will not forget in a hurry the gallant 17 Nigerian
    Army Officers/men who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident of Okuama Okoloba imbrogolio. While we continue
    to commiserate with their families and loved ones they left
    behind, we pray continuously for the repose of their souls, in
    Jesus name. Amen! May SOULS of all the departed Rest in
    Peace, AMEN.

    “Our visit today serve as a symbol of unity, love, and support for
    our brothers and sisters in the Okuama community. Let us
    continue to work together to build a brighter future for all
    Nigerians, where no one is left behind or forgotten.

    “Thank you, and may God bless us all as we strive to make a
    positive differences in the lives of others.
    I wish you all journey mercies to your destination and may God
    showers his divine grace and blessings on us in Jesus Almighty
    Name, AMEN.

  • UNDP decries rise in number of IDPs in Benue, 3 other states

    UNDP decries rise in number of IDPs in Benue, 3 other states

    The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has decried the consistent rise in the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

    Its representative in Benue, Mr Adewole Oke, disclosed this on Thursday in Makurdi, while delivering a goodwill message during the presentation of the Benue Framework toward addressing humanitarian challenges in the state.

    The state’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management organised a one-day workshop with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), IDPs and Journalists as participants.

    Oke said that over the years, the number of IDPs in the four states, laregly women, the youths and other marginalised groups had increased.

    He, however, promised that through a combined effort of all UN agencies, the socio economic impact of internal displacement and framework designed for a more developmental approach toward resolving internal displacement in Benue would be considered.

    “Over the years, the number of IDPs in Benue, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have doubled, particularly women, the youths and marginalised groups.

    “ This has affected children going to school, men who tend to feed their families and women who strive to make their home peaceful.

    “We are not just going to stop at interventions without addressing the root causes; internal displacement requires long term, integrated and gender responsive development solutions.

    ”Through a human development approach, we have proposed to renew and created a synergy between displaced citizens and the state,”he said.

    Oke also promised that his organisation would restore the human dignity toward ensuring a more safer Benue where citizens would coexist peacefully.

    “Restoring your human security and dignity will be at the heart of rebuilding a prosperous and safer Benue.

    ”Let us work together to make this ambition a reality. No one can solve the problem alone,” he said.

    Earlier, the Benue Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr Aondowase Kunde, said that the workshop aimed at developing a framework for strategic committee toward generating durable solutions that would address its current challenges.

    Kunde noted that the workshop was also aimed at identifying the needs of the IDPs and those of communities affected by crisis in the state.

    He added that the state government was doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of all IDPs to their ancestral homes.

    “The ongoing situation in Benue highlights the broader humanitarian challenges within Nigeria.

    “The plight of the IDPs in Benue serves as a call to action for the Federal Government and the international community to step in and provide the necessary support for these individuals to safely return to their homes in peace,” he added.

    Some of the IDPs who participated in the exercise, decried the absence of basic facilities, such as basic healthcare, potable water, schools, among others, at the camps.

    The IDPs, who called on the government to enhance security at the camps, also appealed to government to empower more women and the elderly ones with skills.

    The Benue government had in the past nine months provided relief materials to the IDPs on monthly basis.

    NAN further reports that over 1 million people were currently displaced in the state due to incessant attacks in communities.

  • BREAKING: Two Children killed as fire destroys IDP Camp in Borno

    BREAKING: Two Children killed as fire destroys IDP Camp in Borno

    At least two children have reportedly been killed in a fire incident at the Muna Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, on Tuesday.

    As of the time of filing this report, the remote cause of the fire could not be ascertained.

    Also, the Borno State Police Command or the state government are yet to comment on the incident.

    Details later

  • Scores abducted as Boko Haram attacks Borno IDP camps

    Scores abducted as Boko Haram attacks Borno IDP camps

    Scores of people have been abducted in a fresh attack by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

    The attack took place on Monday when the insurgents struck three Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Ngala town, the headquarters of Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area at the border of Cameroon where the terrorists are most active.

    Findings show that the victims – over 40 girls and women – went to fetch firewood from the bush when the insurgents whisked them away from the Babban Sansani camp, Zulum Camp and Arabic camp.

    It was further observed that the number of women and girls kidnapped could be higher as the specific number of the abducted girls has yet to be ascertained.

    Both Boko Haram and ISWAP remain active in the region, and the battle against the groups has left at least 35,000 people dead and driven more than 2 million others from their homes in Borno state alone.

    It’s common for people to venture outside the many IDP camps in northern Nigeria to search for firewood, both to sell and for personal use.

    The terrorists also set ablaze an unspecified number of shelters in GDSSS IDP camp Shuwari in Mafa LGA as well as three houses, livestock and properties worth millions of naira in Ajari town of Damboa LGA.

    The fire incident occurred on Monday in the two locations although no casualty was recorded.

     

  • Tragedy as 7 IDPs  die in Borno building collapse

    Tragedy as 7 IDPs  die in Borno building collapse

    Tragedy in Borno state as seven Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) reportedly died while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries in Borno building collapse.

    The victims were among the people displaced from their residences by terrorists in the northeastern region of the country.

    It was gathered that the incident happened at the camp in Monguno around 1930 GMT on Monday following torrential rains the previous day.

    “Seven people were killed in (the) incident, and two others were injured and presently in hospital,” The PUNCH quoted an anti-jihadist militia leader, Musa Kaka, saying.

    Monguno, 135 km (85 miles) from the regional capital Maiduguri, is home to thousands of IDPs who fled their towns and villages to escape the jihadist insurgency, which has also killed 40,000 people.

    They live in makeshift camps under military and militia protection.

    Around two million people have been displaced since the rebellion began in 2009.

    The accident happened in a secondary school turned IDP camp where around 5,000 people live in classrooms, Kaka said.

    The affected classroom had been weakened from a previous fire outbreak, and the hours-long downpour on Sunday caused the collapse, said Bello Adamu, another militiaman, who gave the same toll.

    The seven fatalities were buried on Tuesday, a resident, Ahmad Babangida, who attended the ceremony, told journalists.

  • Oluremi Tinubu vows husband will resettle all IDPs in Nigeria

    Oluremi Tinubu vows husband will resettle all IDPs in Nigeria

    Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the President-elect, has assured Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria that her husband will ensure that they all return to their homes.

    She disclosed this while distributing food items to IDPs in Kuchingoro, Karamajiji and Gongola camps in the Federal Capital Territories (FCT), as part of activities to mark the inauguration of Bola Tinubu, the President-elect, on May 29.

    Mrs Tinubu, who was represented at the occasion by the Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Betta Edu, assured that relocating the IDPs back home is part of the agenda of her husband.

    “The wife of the President-elect, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has asked us to go to all the IDPs around Abuja as well as other NAPTIP homes and give them items that will help them to celebrate even as we are celebrating the president’s incoming.

    “It’s a time for joy in Nigeria, it’s a time for peace, it’s a time for unity, it’s a time for celebration and Nigerians all over have been called upon to continue to pray for the incoming government and support them totally.

    “We have given out over 5000 boxes of these items to the various camps and different persons. All of these are to ensure that while we are celebrating at Eagles Square [on May 29], they too will be celebrating in the various camps.”

    When asked what the plans of the Tinubu administration were for the IDPs, she said: “His Excellency, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, as part of his action plans, has stated that there would be resettlement for every single person.

    “He has also stated very carefully that he would put a lot of emphasis on healthcare, humanitarian services, and empowering Nigerians.”

     

     

  • My thoughts on japa – By Francis Ewherido

    My thoughts on japa – By Francis Ewherido

    By Francis Ewherido

    By now the word Japa needs no explanation. Nigerians are leaving our shores in droves for other African countries, Europe and America. The medical profession is hit below the belt. Thousands of our best doctors and other medical personnel have left the country for greener pastures in other countries, including the Middle East. It is not only the teaching hospitals and big hospitals that are hit, clinics are not left out. A friend, who had gone on semi-retirement, is back fully at his clinic. More than half of his doctors have gone abroad. He has the option of continuing his semi-retirement and watch over three decades of hard work fade away or come out of retirement and keep his clinic alive. He chose the latter. If you go to any hospital in the UK, at least one of the medical personnel, who will attend to you, is a Nigerian. Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin English are widely spoken because of the large number of medical personnel working there.

    The financial industry is also terribly affected. A friend spent four hours in the bank last week because the system was down and the staff who used to fix the problem have all relocated. Those of us in the insurance sector are also affected by the brain drain. Other sectors that require technical skills have been affected. The immediate impact is devastating. Many years were spent to train and groom these professionals. We are losing them in a twinkle of an eye. It will take a long time to train new people to replace them. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that those we are training now will not also japa after being trained. The only solution to stem the brain drain is to fix our country and make it liveable and citizens-friendly. That is largely why the 2023 election is everybody’s business. More than half of the Nigerians I meet in the UK and the US want to come back home permanently or regularly. The major culprits scaring them away are insecurity and poor infrastructure, especially unstable power supply and bad roads. It is not rocket science to fix Nigeria. Lack of the ease of doing business and the prevailing corruption are two other major problems. No society is free of corruption, but corruption has crippled Nigeria, and at its present rate, the prospects are very bleak.

    If we fix our nation, the brain drain would yield one major advantage despite its many disadvantages. Nigeria can benefit from the return of many of these Nigerians in diaspora if they come back home with their expertise. I spent three months in India for medical reasons about 10 years ago. Some of the doctors who attended to me were returnees from the UK. One was still in the UK and travels between India and the UK to perform surgeries.

    It is every one’s right to live wherever s/he wants to live in this global village called the world. But I believe that it should be a matter of choice, not out of compulsion to escape from insecurity and economic hardship as is currently the case. But let me quickly add that some of the japa are borne out of me-tooism (herd mentality), peer pressure and ignorance. Deciding where you want to live or relocate to should start with a journey of self-discovery. You must know who you are, thoroughly investigate and understand the place you want to move to and if you can thrive in that environment. That done, you will know what will work for you, where and how. Many Nigerians in the US and the UK have no business remaining there. They are stuck, but home does not offer an attractive alternative to them. I have met some in the UK and the US. A cab driver I met in Chicago lamented that he was doing very well before the wife pressured him to relocate to America. But there are many Nigerians also doing very well.

    I first thought of relocating to the UK in the nineties without a well thought out plan of what I wanted to do, besides becoming a chartered insurance practitioner. I did not think about how I was going to survive, where to stay and many other critical factors. Then I got married, and before I knew it, two children came in quick succession. Relocation got complicated and I jettisoned the idea. I studied here and became a chartered insurance practitioner.

    I have since realised that I cannot live abroad. I struggle with the food, weather, culture, etc. I am fully settled with all the challenges of living in Nigeria. I will continue to travel, but my home remains Nigeria. My children will make their own decisions. I have had one on one discussions with them, pointing out their strengths and weaknesses. People who want to Japa must have an idea of what they want, plan, get expert advice, understand the country to which they are going and have enough money to survive before they stabilise. True, it is easier to get a job in the UK and US as long as you are not picky, but the system has inherent ways of making you take what is available, not what you want to do. You have to put aside your certificates, qualifications and pride at the beginning. Europe and America are levellers. Also, go through legal channels. Travelling via the Libyan route is madness and foolishness put together. Get the right visa. Desperation is not a good reason to Japa. Not everyone is meant to Japa or live abroad. Get that into your skull.

    AFTER THE FLOOD, WHAT NEXT?

    The annual flooding in many parts of the south reached an epidemic proportion this year. That is not the first time it is happening. Many are homeless and in IDP camps, including my village, Egwhu-Urhobo. The remains of dead people have been flushed into the open from cemeteries in Bayelsa. My father’s house, where he was buried, was spared because it is on high ground, but my late brother’s house was not spared. Meanwhile, some state governments and local governments are busy politicking. Some are just waking up from their slumber. The federal government’s reaction is also not swift and good enough, in my estimation.

    But my real question is: “after this year, what next?” Wait for another flood next year? Absolutely not! We were initially told that the opening of a dam in Cameroun causes the annual flooding in Nigeria, but government officials said that is not the case. So what causes the annual flooding that has claimed over 600 lives this year alone? What are the solutions? The major oil producing states of Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa are badly affected. States like Anambra and Kogi are also badly affected. We cannot continue like this. Incidentally, the tenure of the current government terminates on May 29, 2023. We need the presidential candidates of all the parties to come out and tell us how they intend to stop the annual flooding. Any candidate without a concrete plan does not deserve the votes of voters from the affected states and all Nigerians for that matter.