United Nations urges Borno government to decongest 23 IDP camps

Kebbi converts NYSC camp to isolation centre
The United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, has urged Borno State government to de-congest 23 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps to prevent fire and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreaks across the state.

According to him, half of the camps in Borno are over-crowded with nearly 700,000 vulnerable IDPs.

Kallon stated yesterday in Maiduguri: “I express deep sorrow over multiple fire outbreaks that devastated the Monguno Water Board camp for IDPs, in northern Borno on April 14, 15 and 18 and the International Secondary School camp on April 16 in the town of Gambouru, of Ngala Council.

Boko Haram had attacked Gambouru, a border community with Cameroon, severally, destroying lives and property.

He attributed disease and fire outbreaks in IDP camps to overcrowding of temporary shelters built too closely.

Meanwhile, The Guardian learnt that the UN and non-governmental organisations are working on expanding IDP camps to mitigate the risk of fire incidents and diseases spread.

Kallon commended the engagement of Borno State government and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster management on the issue “It is our duty to do our utmost to protect the most vulnerable from another tragedy, whether it is a fire or the COVID-19 virus,” declares Kallon.

In a related development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Suru Dakingari Council of Kebbi State has being prepared as isolation centre in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the inspection of the centre yesterday, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Gidado Kaliel, said that camp would serve as COVID-19 isolation centre for the state.

He said despite that Kebbi had not recorded any case of the disease, arrangement should be made in case of any eventuality.

The NYSC coordinator in the state, Mustapha Mohammed, led the commissioner to the camp to inspect the clinic.

Mustapha informed the commissioner of other needs at the camp clinic to make the place more comfortable.