Northern Nigeria – Recent investigations by Arewa Findwhosabi have unveiled a disturbing pattern of alleged rape, child marriage, and insecurity within numerous Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across Northern Nigeria. These dire circumstances are attributed to the persistent insecurity, including kidnapping and banditry, that has plagued communities and cities in the 19 northern states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Multiple Affected States: Among the states where these horrifying incidents have been reported are Borno, Benue, Niger, Kano, Bauchi, Adamawa, and Kebbi, among others.
Suffering of IDPs: The IDPs endure dehumanizing conditions, including sexual abuse, forced marriage, hunger, and poverty. Despite their fervent hopes of returning to their ancestral homes, the fight against insecurity remains ongoing as terrorists continue to wreak havoc on citizens.
NGO’s Urgent Plea: During a recent visit by the Sexual Offences Awareness and Responses initiative, a non-governmental organization, to IDP camps in Benue State, Project Officer Chibuzor Njoku lamented the increasing molestation of young girls in the camps. The NGO urgently called on the federal and state governments to intervene in this dire situation.
Protection Committee: Arewa Findwhosabi investigations further reveal that due to the constant molestation of young, impressionable girls in the IDP camps, the NGO established Camp Child Protection Committees at various camps to shield these vulnerable females.
Protecting Child Rights: Speaking on the principles of child rights in society, Njoku emphasized the importance of protecting children’s rights and called for collective efforts from parents and guardians to ensure these rights are upheld.
Underage Marriages in Adamawa: A recent exclusive interview with Arewa Findwhosabi exposed the shocking prevalence of underage marriages within Adamawa’s IDP camps, despite severe hunger and inadequate healthcare facilities. Several cases were documented, revealing the disturbing reality faced by young couples who found love amidst adversity.
Neglect in Nasarawa State: Disputes between herders and farmers in Obi and Awe LGAs of Nasarawa State displaced over 4,000 residents, particularly women and young females. These individuals encountered numerous challenges due to alleged neglect by the state government.
Lack of Security and Medical Facilities: The absence of security personnel at the IDP camps in Nasarawa led to loss of life due to consistent attacks by hoodlums. Many women were molested, abducted, and raped. Nursing mothers, including Mercy Chahur and Adasho Deborah, helplessly watched their children succumb to illness due to the lack of medical facilities in the area.
Growing IDP Population: As a result of ongoing attacks in several Northern states, the number of Internally Displaced Persons in Nasarawa, Benue, Niger, and Plateau states in 2023 has surged to over 500,000. This increase reflects the continuing challenges faced by displaced individuals despite some improvements in security.
Government’s Response: The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has initiated an emergency intervention program in affected states to address the plight of IDPs. This program includes the distribution of relief items to affected communities.
Concerns About Underage Marriages: Government officials, like NEMA Coordinator in Adamawa State, Mr. Ladan Ayuba, expressed concern about the prevalence of underage marriages in the IDP camps. They emphasized the need to ensure that young couples wait until they reach the age of marriageability before contracting marriages to avoid dependency on their parents and the government.
Call for Urgent Aid: The IDPs and humanitarian organizations appealed to the federal and state governments, non-governmental organizations, and compassionate individuals to come to the aid of these vulnerable populations and work toward permanent solutions to the challenges they face.
Ongoing Insecurity: Despite some improvements in security in certain regions of the country, Nigeria continues to grapple with the displacement of its citizens due to criminal gangs, bandits, and other terrorists.
Wide Geographic Impact: The IDP crisis is not isolated to one area, as these challenges cut across camps in various states. The plight of IDPs calls for a comprehensive and sustained response to alleviate their suffering.
Government’s Intervention: The federal government has begun an emergency intervention program in affected states, with plans to expand this initiative to all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This program involves the distribution of relief items to communities affected by the ongoing crisis.
Addressing Underage Marriages: Government officials are actively addressing the issue of underage marriages, emphasizing the importance of waiting until individuals are of marriageable age to ensure self-sufficiency and family support.
Arewa Findwhosabi remains committed to reporting on these pressing issues affecting IDPs in Northern Nigeria and will continue to raise awareness of their challenges and the urgent need for assistance.