Why aren’t we doing enough to help IDPs?

On a daily basis, images bombard us of camps overcrowded by hungry and even sick children. Yes, the government and NEMA seem to be doing OK, but that isn’t enough in this case. They are Nigerians, for God’s sake! They’re not refugees, so they shouldn’t live like they are. I truly hope a wholesome response […]

On a daily basis, images bombard us of camps overcrowded by hungry and even sick children. Yes, the government and NEMA seem to be doing OK, but that isn’t enough in this case. They are Nigerians, for God’s sake! They’re not refugees, so they shouldn’t live like they are. I truly hope a wholesome response to the problem is worked out by the current administration.  
I shiver in fright anytime I see pictures of the aftermath of attacks. However what touches me so much is the plight of the people who suffer afterwards, rendered homeless and in some instances, family-less. Orphans and lost children are the most vulnerable for many reasons, and if that doesn’t spur us to act fast, then I don’t know what will.
NGOs, too, should step up and mobilise Nigerians to raise funds through mobile phone companies and other unique avenues. If every able, adult Nigerian were to donate N50, imagine the great good that would do. I’ve always been of the opinion that a lot of good things citizens can enjoy can be made possible by citizens themselves.
I truly admire the governor of Borno State (where the insurgency problem is at its worst) and the way he’s always worried and proactive in helping the situation. But he needs to do more and he also needs the support of government and Nigerians in order to overcome these gruelling odds.
In closing, I’m making a wish, that Nigerians from all walks of life see the IDP situation as an opportunity to show the depths of kindness which the human heart is capapble of, in direct opposition to the dark evil which men perpetrate to push their brothers and sisters into misery. May we help our brothers and sisters, as well as help anyone who wishes to do the same, for in the end we’re only helping ourselves.
Muhammadu wrote in from Utako, Abuja