At least three people have died in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, raising fresh concerns over poor healthcare services and food shortages in the facilities.
The Desk Officer of Gwada IDP camp, Hussaini Alhassan, revealed this during the presentation of a ₦30 million humanitarian relief donation by the North South Power Foundation (NSPF) on Saturday. According to him, two newborns recently lost their lives during childbirth at Gwada camp, while an elderly woman also died at the Kuta camp.
Alhassan explained that IDPs from Kaure and Bassa communities have lived in Gwada camp for more than six years due to insecurity. He lamented that despite the long stay, displaced persons still face hunger, poor healthcare, and lack of basic amenities.
Coordinator of the Kuta camp, Yusuf Kuta, also highlighted the plight of about 300 displaced persons – mostly women and children – who are struggling to survive. He commended NSPF for its timely intervention, describing the donation as a “lifeline” for many.
Presenting the relief items, Dr. Kemi Adekanye, Head of NSPF represented by Dr. Samson Esumeh, said the foundation’s intervention aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on food security and the elimination of hunger.
“We are committed to the welfare of these IDPs. It is part of our routine to ensure they remain healthy and happy,” she stated.
Chairman of Munya Local Government, Aminu Najume, and Secretary of Shiroro Council, Sanusi Musa, both praised NSPF’s gesture, assuring that government was working on plans to resettle displaced persons back to their homes.
Reacting to the information, the Director General of the Niger State IDPs Agency, Danjuma Nalango, said the agency had not received official reports of the deaths. He added that IDPs in Gwada and Kuta had already been directed to return to their communities following what authorities described as improved security in the area.
The beneficiaries of NSPF’s relief support included IDPs in Erena, Gwada, Kuta, Dangunu, and Sarkin Pawa across Shiroro and Munya council areas of Niger State.
