Saraki: Attention of government to plight of IDPs is waning

Bukola Saraki, former president of the senate, says the attention of governments and international donors to the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) “is waning”.

In a statement to commemorate the international day for the Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism on Friday, Saraki said the country should be focused on making the lives of the IDPs better.

Thousands of people have been displaced in the north-east owing to the activities of Boko Haram insurgents.

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) was set up in 2017 to provide succour to the IDPs and reconstruct the region.

The former Kwara governor said Nigerians should not be distracted from the security crisis that the IDPs camps represent.

“We must pay more attention to providing more facilities for the convenience and benefit of the IDPs that will make their temporary stay in those camps less stressful and more comfortable. Today, as the global community pays tributes to the victims of violence, our attention should be focused on making their lives better,” he said.

“It is obvious that the attention being given by privileged individuals, governments, international donors, development agencies and non-governmental organisations seems to be waning.

“We need to all redirect attention to the welfare of the IDPs and refuse to be distracted by the real security crisis that those camps represent, among other issues.”

Saraki urged the NEDC to commence “quick restoration” so that the displaced people could go back to their communities.

“It is important to remember all Nigerians who have lost their lives to these wanton acts of violence and pay tribute to their memories,” the former senate president said.

“Not only to preserve the memory of their times on earth but also to serve as a marker to the Nigerian State on the need to do all that is necessary to put a stop to these acts of terrorism and ensure a return to peace and normalcy.

“My prayers go to the soldiers, aid workers, residents and others who have over the years become victims of insurgency, violence and inter-tribal crises across the country. May Allah bless the affected families, communities and our country.”