Palpable fears have griped Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in Kuta Camp in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State over a looming outbreak of an epidemic as a result of the bad state of their camp.
A visit to the area by DAILY POST showed that the medical, environment as well as accommodations were below standard for the 1,000 IDPs.
It was observed that in a classroom that ought to accommodate six persons, currently accommodates 40 with only three toilets available at the camp.
Some of the IDPs, who spoke to our reporter, expressed fear at the condition of the camp and dismay at the manner in which the state government is handling the issue.
Tanko Musa, one of the IDPs, described the situation at the camp as hopeless and unfit for human habitation and if nothing is done fast, it could lead to the outbreak of a pandemic.
According to Sule Kuta, “We are in a hopeless condition, but since I have no choice, I am coping with the bad environment. Because I know that one day, I will go back to my ancestral home after the bandits’ attacks that sent us away.”
He called on the state government to do more for the displaced persons in order to reduce their sufferings, adding that, “what the government is providing for the over 1,000 persons in the camp is not enough. We are really suffering. ”
Expressing worries, Maimuna Dikko, said due to the deplorable state of the camp, women had to visit the camps’ clinic regularly to treat toilet-related infection.
“The toilets are so bad. The government promised to repair the three toilets for us three months ago, we are still waiting. The doors and windows are broken. Because of the lack of adequate provision of toilet facilities, our children defecate around the camp,” she stated.
Reacting to the situation, the Desk Officer, Yusuf Bala, said the government was aware of the challenges facing the IDPs such additional accommodation, drugs among others would soon be addressed.
He expressed fear that if nothing is quickly done to tackle the issue of toilets, it could lead to the outbreak of an epidemic, pointing out that, ” the 1,000 persons in the camp share only three toilets.”
The desk Officer also revealed that the people have been adequately sensitised on the novel COVID-19 pandemic to curb the spread in the camp.
