ASHENEWS reports that the Borno state government says it is investigating the alleged involvement of some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the recurrent burning of Internally Displaced Persons camps in the state.
The Borno State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar made this known in a statement issued on Sunday.
The statement said that some suspects arrested in connection with fire outbreaks in the IDP camps in the state accused some NGOs of paying them to set the camps on fire.
“On 29 March 2024, the Ministry of Information and Internal Security received a report in which a suspect admitted that he and his “co-conspirators” were “hired” by some NGOs (names withheld) to set IDP camps on fire.”
He said that the government was currently investigating the claims and has also invited the NGOs mentioned for questioning.
“This matter is under investigation and further necessary action shall only be taken on the basis of the outcome of the investigation. Those arrested are in detention undergoing intensive interrogation, while the NGOs who were pinpointed in the alleged violent practice have been summoned for preliminary interrogation.”
The statement assured the public that the matter would receive appropriate and expedited attention, and any culprit would be dealt with according to the law.
“Meanwhile, members of the public are urged to be calm, peaceful and law-abiding. Any breach of security should be reported to the nearest law enforcement agency or traditional rulers for transmission to the relevant authority,” it added.
It added that the Borno state government was disturbed by the recent rise in frequency of infernos in IDP camps, adding that all hands are on deck to forestall any further occurrence of fire outbreaks in the State.
Several IDP camps in Borno have recorded fire incidences in recent times.
Last month, two children and an adult were confirmed dead in a fire outbreak at the IDP camp in the Muna Alamdari area of Borno state.
