Niger: We have over 50,000 IDP camps across 13 LGAs

The Niger government says there are more than 50,000 camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in 13 LGAs across the state.

According to NAN, Ahmed Matane, secretary to the state government, disclosed this on Monday in Minna, the Niger capital.

Matane said there are 151,380 internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently residing in about 50,584 camps across 13 LGAs.

He said the IDPs included nursing mothers, over 30,000 children, about 4,500 pregnant women, and 722 aged persons.

He listed the LGAs as Shiroro, Rafi, Bosso, Munya, Paikoro, Mariga, Kontagora, Mashegu, Wushishi, Rijau, Burgu, Lapai and Lavun.

The SSG said about 28,987 displaced persons are living in 13,989 camps in Rafi LGA.

He said the total number of IDPs in Shiroro LGA is 27,678 including 1,156 pregnant women, 9,245 children, and 944 nursing mothers.

“We also have many people from the area that are living in rented apartments as IDPs that are spread across the state and beyond,” he said.

While commenting on emergency responses in the state, he said the government has spent over N5 billion on the maintenance of the IDP camps across 13 LGAs.