The Federal Government has pledged to investigate the alleged hoarding of relief materials meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) following a shocking discovery at the Durumi IDP camp in Abuja.
The Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Aliyu Ahmed, made this known on Sunday after uncovering large quantities of food and non-food relief supplies hidden inside classrooms at the camp. The items, which were meant for distribution, had instead been stored away, raising concerns over possible mismanagement and negligence.
Ahmed, who visited the camp to inaugurate a newly donated computer centre by the Brand Life Vision Foundation, conducted an impromptu inspection, which led to the discovery.
“On our arrival, we saw so many things that were not necessary to happen here in this camp. We have seen a situation where some of the classrooms were used to keep both food and non-food items that were supposed to have been distributed to the IDPs. We will not take that. We will deal with the situation severely,” he vowed.
FG to Expand Investigation
In response to the alarming discovery, Ahmed announced the formation of a special committee to investigate potential hoarding at other IDP camps across Nigeria.
“What we saw here is alarming. We will extend our investigation to other camps because if it’s happening here, it could be happening elsewhere,” he added.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to IDPs
The Federal Government reassured displaced persons that it remains dedicated to their well-being. Ahmed emphasized that adequate support and proper management of resources will remain a priority.
Furthermore, the government pledged to enhance education for IDP children by collaborating with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to deploy teachers to displacement camps.
Brightlife Vision Foundation to Train 1,000 IDPs
During the event, Hajia Binta Sidi, founder of the Brightlife Vision Foundation, disclosed plans to train 1,000 IDPs nationwide. The foundation, known for supporting destitute children, underprivileged individuals, IDPs, and orphans, aims to provide skills training to empower displaced persons.
While commending the government for installing solar power at the ICT training centre, she revealed that her foundation would provide teachers to facilitate the digital training program.