Workers of Multinational Companies in Lagos distribute food items to IDPs

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By Mustapha Modu Bama

In an effort to support displaced persons in Borno, some concerned workers of some multinational companies based in Lagos state, Nigeria, distribute food items in Maiduguri.

The distributions were made to about three hundred (300) internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Marte, Abadam and Bama L.G.As in three different camps situated in Old G.R.A in Maiduguri.

The head of the delegation, Engr. Ibrahim Dungus, while distributing the items disclosed that, their forum has the 'intention of establishing a non-governmental organisation in the near future which will look into the plight of the displaced persons in the North-East, particularly in Borno and how to support them'.

Looking at their current situations, he reiterated that their visit to Maiduguri is for them to see things for themselves and have first hand information on how to go about with their plans. He said that 'this is an information gathering visit for us to see where we can assist, and at the same time, we came along with some token food items so as to cushion some of their immediate needs”.

In his remarks, Engr. Abdulmalik Ahmad, an indigene of Katsina state who is also a member of the delegation buttressed that they 'will for now focus more on the satellite camps because from the look of things, government puts more emphasis on the registered camps unlike the satellite camps'.

He expressed optimism that his 'forum will definitely earmark some of the satellite camps and alleviate their sufferings in the areas of education, health care and skills development'.

The representative of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mallam Rajab Abubakar relates to our reporter the choice of selecting the satellite camps rather than the government registered camps.

He maintained that the satellite camps needed the supports of the individual persons or groups because all their responsibilities rest on their shoulders, which includes immediate healthcare facility, clothing, food and what have you.

Bulama Jidda Musa, the Bulama of Baderi, a community in Marte L.G.A who happens to be the head of the Marte satellite camp expressed his delight and thanked the forum on behalf of his people for coming to their aid at this trying periods. He urged the forum to ameliorate their toilet facilities and also to look into areas such as educating the children and medical relief as the temperature in Maiduguri is now rising.

It could be recalled that Marte L.G.A is one among the worst hit communities by the insurgents (Boko Haram) in northern Borno. The government of Borno, the Federal Government and other donor agencies have been putting in their best to see the IDPs are being catered for. Yet, there still remain some satellite camps that are not recognised by the government who need the supports of the individuals, groups or association. However, government has been trying to see all liberated communities are safe for return in the near future.


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