Betta Edu: FG to set up resettlement city for 22,000 IDPs in Niger state

Betta Edu, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, says the federal government is working to provide a resettlement city for over 22,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Niger state.

Edu spoke on Friday when she presented starter packs to IDPs at Gwada camp in Shiroro LGA of the state.

She said more than 400 educational centres have been closed, while 11,000 children are out of school due to insecurity in the state.

She expressed concern over the rate of out-of-school children, adding that education is crucial to eradicating poverty in the country.

“The situation is unacceptable; the federal government has put in place stringent measures to end banditry, terrorism and other forms of security challenges in the country,” NAN quoted Edu as saying.

“The president said I should tell you all that hope has come and that he will provide durable solutions to all the things that are bothering us.

“We have seen a couple of things, especially regarding your poor living conditions.

“We are here to assess the situation and ensure that we intervene to change things for the better.

“We are considering resettling all the IDPs here because of the insecurity in their various places; we are optimistic that resettling them in Shiroro will be better for now.

“We will provide a resettlement city where everyone who is displaced can live so that you can be safe and your children can also go back to school.”

Ahmed Suleiman, Niger’s commissioner for humanitarian affairs and disaster management, said there are 22,071 IDPs in the state.

Suleiman said insecurity has affected 11 of the 25 LGAs, adding that many residents have stopped farming due to bandit attacks.

“The state government is now faced with the challenge of providing all necessary amenities and food, aside from the huge funds allocated to fighting insecurity,” he said.

“Our educational institutions, especially primary and secondary schools, which serve as temporary shelter for the displaced persons, are now overstretched and our children’s academic programmes are being disrupted.

“IDPs in the various camps in Kontagora, Mariga, Mashegu, Rijau, Rafi, Mokwa and Munya lack shelter and other critical social amenities like water, medical, educational and toilet facilities.”

The commissioner called on stakeholders to support the government in fighting insecurity in the state.