IDPs - News Agency Of Nigeria

Tosin Kolade
Jul, Mon, 2025

Call to bar: The unstoppable journey of 5 IDPs in Edo

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By Deborah Coker, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The recent call to bar of David Ayuba, Peter Isaac, Rifkatu Ali, Saminu Wakili, and Nathan Ibrahim, all from Borno who found refuge in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Edo more than a decade ago, bespeaks resilience and determination.

Their smiles alongside Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, Coordinator, Home for the Needy IDP Camp, Edo, send messages of victory.

The quintet’s journey started from fleeing Boko Haram insurgency that claimed the lives of their families and destroyed their homes.

Their flight from insurgents made them refugees or IDPs in a faraway Edo; but against all odds, they were unstoppable in their educational pursuit and what they wanted to become in life.

“I am the happiest person today to be frank; because of where they are coming from, and what we all went through to be what they are today,’’Folorunsho said.

The Boko Haram insurgency started in Borno in 2002 and spread like wildfire across the North-East.

Between 2010 and 2015 the Boko Haram launched several attacks on police stations, schools, and churches in Borno.

It is reported that more than 2 million displaced persons are in IDPs in Maiduguri camps with widespread food insecurity, and thousands of others scattered all over IDP camp across the country.

Available data indicates that more than 1,400 schools have also been reported destroyed, agriculture and trade disrupted, exacerbating poverty.

According to the IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) in Nigeria, in its round 49 of its tracking matrix, there are more than 2 million IDPs in the six states of Nigeria’s North-East.

Wakili recounted his experience.

He said that prior to the sack of his community, Gwoza, in 2014 by insurgents, he said he was using bicycle to bring foodstuffs to villages already sacked.

Wakili said he dropped out of school and fled to Cameroon.

“We were running helter-skelter to survive until I got to the IDP managed by the Home for the Needy Foundation, Uhorgua in Edo camp in 2015.

“At the camp, I met several other survivors who had also fled from Borno due to the same reason; we were all given intensive care and monitoring to help us out of our trauma, and then they put back to school at the camp.

“I was in Senior Secondary School 1 then, but today, I give God the glory for using Folorunsho and other workers in the camp to help achieve our desire in life.

“We had challenges while in university; difficulties in paying school fees due to paucity of funds, feeding and a whole lot, but we persevered, because we were well guided, counseled and advised and prayed for by the management of the camp.

“Folorunsho sacrificed a lot and made sure we never derailed or lost focus of what we wanted to be; I am grateful to him,” he said.

Wakili advised other IDPs who were still in school to remain focused on their studies, so that very soon they would join in bringing pride to the camp.

The stories of Ayuba, Ali, Isaac and Ibrahim are not different from that of Wakili, except that Ibrahim got to the camp in 2013.

They all fled their communities in Borno, specifically Gwoza to find succour and refuge at the IDP camp in Uhorgua, Edo.

They did not only find the succour and refuge they needed but family, education, and today, what they desired to be in life, lawyers.

According to them, they endured hunger, harassment from not paying school fees on time and being pushed out of class and at the initial stage as well as stigmatisation from course mates on finding out they were IDPs.

“But we were resolute and determined not to disappoint ourselves and the management of the camp, especially, the coordinator; so we forged on, and today we are not just lawyers, but we graduated with very good results and grades,’’ they said.

Meanwhile a very elated Folorunsho said that the newly called to bar IDPs endured hunger and all kinds of things.

“We all stood together and said this is possible and today it is possible; so. I did not know how to express my joy but I am so happy and grateful to God and thank him for their lives.

“In the next few weeks and months, we are going to have more in different fields graduating from universities.

“So, I will encourage them to support whenever they can; whoever is hearing, support that child, that vulnerable child that you see in the street begging is a potential doctor, lawyer.

“If you and I can join hands to take that child and say let us take care of this child like the way we do to our children, we would have saved this world from a lot of vices.”

Folorunsho explained that the Home for the Needy had been in existence since 1992.

He said the home decided to caring for orphans and vulnerable children from broken homes, street and out of school children.

“The reason why many people now call it IDP camp is because from 2012 to 2014 up until now, terrorism, banditry increased in Nigeria and displaced lots of persons who flood to our centre and became the highest population of those who are living with us.

“So, because they are displaced and everybody is talking about displaced persons, people started calling it IDP camp; otherwise, yes, homeless persons are part of those we registered to care for as the needy.

“So, that name now stuck to us that we are an IDP camp; of course, we are taking care of people who are displaced, but it is not only displaced persons that are here.

“There is hardly any tribe in Nigeria that you do not find there; but those from the North are more because there are more vulnerabilities from where they are coming from.”

He also said there were more than 4,000 IDPs in the camp aside those were provided accommodation in the different villages.

The coordinator said that some years back the centre/camp used to benefit from government interventions, but for eight years, it had stopped.

“In the last eight years plus, we have not benefited any federal or state government interventions, and that is why things became tougher for us.

“Because some persons not only decide not to support us, but they made sure that wherever we were getting support, they blocked it, thinking that when they do that, they would stifle us and then we will give up and throw the children out.

“But we are determined and all the children are determined.

“In the midst of all this, there are persons who have kept faith with us; persons like Bishop David Oyedepo; even some judges in the court, churches, Muslim brethren who see that what we are doing is right and they quietly support us.

“There are as also different universities coming to volunteer, to teach, corps members among few others.

“So, what we do now is taking the bull by the horn by sometimes planting some vegetables by ourselves, but it is never enough because the children are quite young.

“So, this is how we have been doing it and we are encouraged by this kind of result that we see.’’

The coordinator also said that so far, more than 85 IDPs from the camp had graduated.

According to him, some are practicing lawyers and magistrates, and several others in different fields.

“Few months ago, five of our IDPs graduated as medical doctors, and some others as pharmacists; between this year and next year, we are going to have more than 40 accountants,” he said.

Stakeholders say the episode of Wakili and co is soul-stirring; hence, the need for both government and private stakeholders to bolster support for Home for the Needy IDP Camp, Edo. (NANFeatures)

Eid-el-Kabir: FEMD, Foundation put smiles on faces of 150 IDPs

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Sun, 2025

Metro

Eid-el-Kabir: FEMD, Foundation put smiles on faces of 150 IDPs

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By Angela AtaboThe Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) in collaboration with Near Foundation, an NGO, has distributed meat to 150 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

The beneficiaries were selected from Waru and Yimuthu IDP camps in the nation’s capital.

Hajiya Fatima Ibrahim, Head, Relief and Rehabilitation, FEMD, said during the distribution of three kilogrammes of meat to each of the IDPs, that the gesture was to show love to vulnerables people.

Ibrahim said that the annual gesture, being facilitated by Near Foundation, was part of efforts to leave no one behind during Sallah celebrations.

She thanked NEAR Foundation for the commitment to reach out to the less privileged in the society.

“We are doing this to show the IDPs that FEMD and Near Foundation love and care for them.

“I called on well-to-do Nigerians to emulate the kind gesture and reach out to people in need,” she said.

Earlier, the Project Manager of the foundation, Mr Aliyu Harande, said that the Sallah meat package was to give back to the society.

‘There are so many people that cannot afford food to eat, water to drink or meat to cook during festive season.

“Nigerians should always look out for such people and extend a hand of love and compassion.

“Yes, we have given them meat, but it is not enough. Meat will finish after a day or two,” Harande said.

An IDP in Waru camp, Ms Leilatu Abubakar, thanked FEMD and the foundation for remembering and reaching out to them.

Another IDP, Mrs Christy Dauda, thanked the organisers for remembering them and called on other Nigerians to emulate the gesture.

“I cannot remember the last time I ate meat but today I have meat and I thanked all those who provided it for us.

“May God bless them,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Philip Yatai

Insecurity: Benue govt.seeks help to return IDPs home, secure borders

Philip Daniel Yatai
May, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

Insecurity: Benue govt.seeks help to return IDPs home, secure borders

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By Angela Atabo

Gov Hyacinth Alia of Benue has called for assistance in facilitating the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes.

Alia made the call at the North-Central Regional Consultation on the Harmonisation of the National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Framework in Makurdi.

The Workshop on the theme “Towards Creating Exit Pathways out of Violence and Criminality” was organised by International Alert in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), through the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

“We have about 17 IDP camps in the state and we have started working to return them home.

“As we deliberate and reflect during this consultation, let us all remember that the safest shield is not the wall but trust. And the most reliable armour is not fear, but accountability and courage.

“People in some local governments have been killed, driven out, and their lands taken and occupied.

“This is our reality. There is no other way of saying it, but this is the truth. We need every resolution and we need every solution to be placed on the table for this to work,” he said.

Alia said the government was a willing collaborator and partner of peace and would ensure at all times that peace was the watchword throughout the state and its borders.

“Let us walk this road together, not armed with bullets, but with bold ideas, collaborative spirit and unwavering resolve. Support me to take all the IDPs back to their ancestral land.

“Let our farmers go back to their own farmlands. Let our children have a future as we continue to work towards a one unified state, region and nation,”he said.

The governor said that although there were a lot of sentiments on the security challenges in the state, guns and land grabbing were not the answers, peace was the target and must be achieved.

A representative of the National Security Advisor, Mairo Abbas, Director, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, said the workshop was aimed at building a framework that mirrored a collective aspiration.

He explained that it would also leverage indigenous knowledge systems and strengthen national unity.

Abbas said the workshop provided a unique opportunity to jointly explore practical and viable exit pathways for all affected groups, including women, children and others, who have been caught up in cycles of violence.

“We convene here today at a time when Nigeria as a nation is intensifying its effort towards achieving sustainable peace, enhanced national security and inclusive development.

“What we are here to deliberate upon is a critical pillar of our national strategy for managing post-conflict transitions, addressing the root causes of violent extremism and fostering lasting peace and stability.

“The Northern Central Region is uniquely impacted by a range of security challenges, which has been outlined here, which also includes farmers’ and headers, conflicts, communal violence, banditry and violent extremism,” he said.

Abbas urged all participants to ensure that the national DDR framework to be developed was inclusive, context-specific, attuned to the peculiar realities and anchored on forgiveness, reconciliation and unity.

Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, said the convergence was important in the light of the violence in the North Central.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, was about seeking exit pathways out of violence and criminality.

“So this range of stakeholders we have convened with the support of the Office of National Security Advisor, National Counter-Terrorism Centre, the SPRING Programme and the UK Government is aimed at opening up platforms for conversation.

“This is to ensure that the different stakeholders, groups, actors come together to frame their peace, and identify the drivers of violence.

“It is for them to also recognise that, even though kinetic measures have been taken, different communities have taken up arms against each other, different actors have attacked several communities, there is still a place for peace.

“There is still a place for finding an exit out of the dilemma that we face in the North Central.” he said.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said the event convened experts to address the issues and chart a way forward, saying a communiqué would be issued at the end of the meeting.

Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Lead, Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING), said the SPRING Programme was an initiative of the UK Government intended to foster efforts at stability in Nigeria.

Ukiowo said the UK recognised the potential and possibilities of Nigeria being a stabilising force, not just in Africa but in the world as the most populous black country.

The team lead said that over the past 20 years, security challenges in the country had made different subnational entities, particularly state governments, to develop non-kinetic solutions. (NAN)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

FG relocates IDPs, refugees to Keffi resettlement city

Philip Daniel Yatai
Mar, Sat, 2025

General News

FG relocates IDPs, refugees to Keffi resettlement city

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government has moved about 40 households of displaced persons/refugees to a resettlement city in Keffi for decent accommodation and better living.

Speaking at the occasion, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), said that no fewer than 300 individuals would benefit from the allocation.

Ahmed said that the selection criteria for beneficiaries were based on voluntary participation and profiling, ensuring that those who chose to stay were allocated houses.

He also said that plans were in place to reintegrate IDPs and refugees into the immediate community, adding that the organisation had a trade skill centre to ensure their livelihood.

He further said that arrangements had been made with security agencies and health care development agencies to provide protection and assistance to the refugees.

Ahmed thanked President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in ensuring the welfare and well-being of the less-privileged and displaced persons in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facilities and infrastructure in the centre included a recreational area, mosques and churches to promote religious ethics among the residents.

“Green houses are provided for farming and a market is set up to facilitate the sale of excess farm produce,” Ahmed stated.

Mr Earnest Cho, a Camerounian refugee, while appreciating the government for the kind gesture, expressed excitement of living in a free accommodation and farming community compared to the expensive city life in Abuja.

Cho, who is also the leader of the refugees, said although the centre had solar-power lights, the government should also provide them with electricity for better living conditions. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Advocacy group assesses IDPs education in Niger

Ismail Abdulaziz
Dec, Sat, 2024

General News

Advocacy group assesses IDPs education in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

High Level Women Advocacy (HiLWA) in Saturday visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Niger to assess the living conditions and education of the girl-child.

President of HiLWA in Niger, Hajiya Hassana Adamu, led a delegation to the IDPs camp at Central Primary School, Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that HILWA is a non-governmental organisation that sensitise rural communities on the importance of girl-child education.

Adamu explained that the visit was to assess the living standards and education of out-of-school children, particularly the female ones.

She said that HiLWA’s focused on promoting girl-child education, adding that the organisation was concerned about the lack of guidance and counselling for the girls.

She observed that the girls in the IDPs camp were not exposed to the importance of education, adding that HILWA would take the issue up with the state chairman of Universal Basic Education.

“Although we sensitised the girls on the benefits of education, there is need for alternative location for the IDPs instead of the school premises,” she said.

She added that the organisation also plans to advocate for the provision of guidance and counselling officers to educate the girls on the importance of education.

The Head Mistress of Central Primary School, Gwada, Mrs Justina Barde, said that the IDPs presence in the school premises was affecting the education of pupils.

She also highlighted the accommodation challenges, stating that six families, including males and females, live in a single classroom, posing a danger to the female children.

Some of the girls who spoke, Rita Iliya and Jennifer Nehemiah, expressed their desire to become a medical doctor and a tailor respectively, in spite of their irregular attendance at school.

NAN reports that the organisation presented items, including cartons of biscuits, detergents, soap, and bags of pure water, to the IDPs.

NAN also reports that the delegation includes female permanent secretaries, officials from the Adolescent Girls’ Child Education (AGILE) and the Niger state Child Rights Agency.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Peter Amine
Nov, Thu, 2024

General News

SEMA, BSUTH sign MoU on IDPs treatment

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By Peter Amine
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the treatment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

The MoU was signed by the SEMA Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, and BSUTH Chief Medical Director, Dr Stephen Hwande, on Thursday in Makurdi.

Speaking at the event, Iorpuu said that the partnership marked a significant milestone in collective efforts to alleviate the sufferings of IDPs in Benue and to ensure their access to essential and quality healthcare services.

The executive secretary stated that the plight of Benue citizens in IDP camps across local governments was one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges.

“These vulnerable populations face numerous difficulties, with access to healthcare being one of the most critical.

“Many IDPs are unable to access the medical attention they urgently need due to financial constraints and logistical barriers.

“It is in recognition of this need that Benue SEMA has sought this collaboration with BSUTH, an institution renowned for its excellence in medical care and service delivery.

“Through this agreement, IDPs in the 10 designated camps will now have the opportunity to receive timely and quality healthcare services at BSUTH, with the assurance that SEMA will settle the bills at a later date.

“This initiative is not just a demonstration of our commitment to the welfare of displaced persons; it is also a testament to the importance of partnerships in addressing the complexities of humanitarian crises,” he added.

He further said that the agency was leveraging the expertise and resources of BSUTH and the coordination capabilities of SEMA to set a precedent on how institutions can work together for the betterment of society.

Iorpuu added that they would ensure that the agreement was implemented effectively and transparently.

He said both SEMA and BSUTH must remain accountable to the people, ensuring that the initiative achieved its intended impact.

Hwande, in his remarks, lauded SEMA for initiating the partnership that would be beneficial to the vulnerable population in the state.

“What SEMA is doing is landmark because such services were left in the hands of the Red Cross and other international organisations.

“For the first time, SEMA is saying that I will take responsibility for treating IDPs.

“It costs a lot of money to treat these IDPs; one lassa fever case sometimes takes close to one million Naira.

“We have resolved that we will give some discounts; if the cases are very expensive, we will give a higher discount. The discount will be based on the case,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)