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VICTIMS SUPPORT FUND TO ASSIST INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN BORNO

A team from the Victims Support Fund led by the Executive Director Dr. Sunday Ochoche went on a needs assessment to Dikwa and Ngala local Government areas in Borno State. The team also visited Nigerian refugees in Fotokol Cameroon. They were accompanied by Hon Mohammed Sheriff (member representing Bama/Ngala/Kala – Balge Federal Constituency at the National Assembly) , NEMA officials and the Chairman Ngala and Dikwa Local Government Areas. The aim of the visit was to critically assess the requirements of recently liberated internally displaced persons (IDPs)

At the Dikwa IDP camp which caters for over 70,000 men women and children, it was identified that the camp among other needs had insufficient shelter, complete lack of toilet facilities and inadequate water supply. The Ngala IDPs did not have a camp but were scattered along the destroyed Gambouru – Ngala road. The destruction of the roads has greatly increased the difficulty in accessing the area.

The team crossed into Fotokol Cameroon where the Administrative Officer of Fotokol Mamoudou Umaru Sarki revealed that there are over 12,000 Nigerian refugees comprising of 225 households waiting to be repatriated to Nigeria. Dr. Ochoche explained that the security situation and availability of amenities would have to be considered and due consultation with government, military and stakeholders before the IDPs could return home.

Mohammed Sheriff, the member representing Bama Ngala Kala-Balge federal constituency at the National Assembly called on the Federal Government to establish a camp as well as a military brigade to cater for the IDPs in that vicinity. He further stated that all the issues raised would be critically considered in order to proffer meaningful and lasting solutions.

 

The Chairman Ngala Local Government Area Alhaji Abdurrahman Abdulkarim harped on the need for speedy action as he had already received repatriation notice from the Cameroonian Authorities.

 

Dr. Ochoche further said that VSF would be working with the Borno State Government and other stakeholders to provide tents, water and sanitation to the IDPs in Dikwa and Ngala. He also appreciated the Borno State Government, the Military, NEMA and all other Agencies for their tireless effort and contributions to the welfare of the Victims of Insurgency.

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