We’ve 981,416 internally displaced persons in Nigeria —FG

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Muhammad Sani-Sidi has said that there were currently 981,416 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the country.

“There are currently 981, 416 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the country,” he said.

Sani spoke in Abuja, saying that some groups were circulating false figures of the IDPs for their own selfish reasons.

The NEMA boss said the figures were based on quantitative and qualitative data collected by NEMA in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, the State Emergency Management Agencies, the Nigeria Red Cross Society and traditional rulers.

He said that out of the figure, 107,997 were living in IDPs established camps, while 804,732 live with the host communities and relations.

About 66,087 of the IDPs were reportedly displaced by natural disasters while 915,329 were affected by the insurgency in the North East, just as there were 20 IDPs camps across northern part of the country.

“NEMA together with UN agencies is currently providing medical equipment to health facilities treating victims of the insurgency attacks in all three states of emergency.

“NEMA has deployed ambulances at strategic locations to support and evacuate victims to hospitals and to provide first aid were necessary,” he said.

On the situation in Baga town, Sidi said; “NEMA is providing comprehensive humanitarian support to 3,200 IDPs from Baga at its secure facility in Madiguri; the Teacher’s Village Camp.”

While speaking, the Coordinator of NIC, Mr Mike Omeri said the recent success recorded by the security operatives in Biu, Borno State was evidence that end to insurgency was in sight.

He said; “This operation is another example in a string of recent successes against Boko Haram. Security forces will continue to make remarkable progress against these terrorists.

“The recent rise in suicide bombings is clear evidence that Boko Haram is running out of options. The government is fully committed to ensuring all militants are rooted out from their hiding places and a safe and secure country for all Nigerians is restored.”

via: vanguard