IDPs decry govt neglect

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at New Kuchingoro Camp have expressed concern over their alleged neglect by the government. Some of the IDPs said government had not shown enough interest in identifying with their suffering.   The IDPs said they depended on charity from individuals, non-governmental organisations and religious institutions for their up-keep. They lamented lack of […]

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at New Kuchingoro Camp have expressed concern over their alleged neglect by the government.
Some of the IDPs said government had not shown enough interest in identifying with their suffering.  
The IDPs said they depended on charity from individuals, non-governmental organisations and religious institutions for their up-keep.
They lamented lack of basic amenities on the camp including health care and potable water.
The camp chairman, Mr. Philemon Emmanuel, expressed concern over deplorable condition the people live in.
He identified lack of access to medical care as one of the major challenges of the IDPs in the camp as no health facility was established to cater for ailing IDPs.
Pregnant women in labour, he said, had to give birth in the camp with the help of traditional birth attendants because of the financial implication in accessing modern health care services.
Mr. Emmanuel who is a native of Pulka, one of the devastated areas in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, expressed displeasure over the nonchalance of the government about the plight of the displaced persons.
He said for about three years that the camp was established, the only government presence the camp had was when the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), visited them and promised to build a special camp where a hospital would be made available to take care of the sick, women and children.
The IDPs are sheltered in make-shift tents many of which have worn-off while some are on the verge  of collapse.
Speaking on the general condition of the camp, the camp secretary, Mr. Enoch Yohanna, who is also a corps member serving at Kuchingoro described as worrisome the way the IDPs live.
He said the IDPs at new Kuchingoro lived a pitiable life as they were exposed to the dangers of various ailments such as malaria, diarrhoea.
He called on government and non-governmental organisations as well as other well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the IDPs.