Two newborns, one elderly reportedly die in IDP camps in Niger
Two new born babies and an elderly woman are reported to have died in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area, as a result of poor healthcare and food shortages in the camps.
The IDP camp stationed in Gwada, where the babies died during childbirth, and the Kuta camp, where the elderly woman passed away, are home to over 300 IDPs, mostly women and children battling hunger and deprivation..
The camps are overcrowded, with up to 80 people accommodated in a single classroom, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
Hussaini Alhassan, Desk Officer at the IDP camp, confirmed this during a N30 million humanitarian relief donation by the North South Power Foundation (NSPF) to the IDPs.
He stated that the two newborn babies died during childbirth at the Gwada camp, while the elderly woman loss her life at Kuta IDP camp.
According to him, ” IDPs from Kaore and Bassa communities in Shiroro have been living in Gwada camp for over six years as a result of insecurity. The two camps are currently facing challenges of poor healthcare services, food shortages and other basic necessities of life”.
Also, the Coordinator Kuta IDP camp, Yusuf Kuta, stated that about 300 IDPs mostly women and children were struggling to survive in the camp, with no adequate healthcare.
Dr Kemi Adekanye, Head of NSPF, who was represented by Dr. Samson Esumeh, explained that the intervention was in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on food security and the elimination of hunger.”.
The Chairman, Munya Local Council, Alhaji Aminu Najume, and Secretary of Shiroro local Council, Sanusi Musa commended the Foundation, saying the government was working towards resettling the IDPs.
However, the Director General, Niger State IDPs Agency, Danjuma Nalango in his remarks said his agency had not received official reports of the deaths in the camps. ‘
He said, ‘The IDPs in Kuta and Gwada camps had earlier been directed to return to their communities due to improved security in their areas”.
The relief materials is to be distributed among IDPs at Erena, Gwada, Kuta,in Shiroro and those at Dangunu in Sarkin Pawa local councils.
Two newborns, one elderly reportedly die in IDP camps in Niger
