Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to facilitating the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their home communities in Niger State.
He made this declaration during a recent visit to the IDP camp located at Central Primary School in Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area, where he led a federal delegation to assess the situation firsthand and offer condolences.
During his visit, Senator Shettima acknowledged the challenges faced by the IDPs and reiterated the dedication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to promoting good governance aimed at alleviating the hardships experienced by the populace.
Highlighting the impact of insecurity and natural disasters, such as floods and rainstorms, which have resulted in significant loss of life and property, the Vice President revealed that the Federal Government has allocated N3 billion to each state to help combat flooding issues.
Shettima remarked, “In addition to the food and essential supplies provided to the IDPs, the Federal Government will collaborate more closely with the State Government and NEMA to ease the burden on affected individuals.”
He also indicated that states including Borno, Niger, Sokoto, Bayelsa, and Jigawa will receive additional support from the Federal Government as assessments continue.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago noted that the state has been heavily affected by insecurity and disasters, leading to the establishment of 14 IDP camps across the region. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for dispatching a high-ranking delegation, led by the Vice President, to express solidarity with the state and its residents.
The Governor emphasized that this visit and the accompanying assistance reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the people.
In a discussion following the Vice President’s visit, Maj. Gen. Ahmed Suleiman (rtd), the Hon. Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, along with Hon. Abdullahi Baba-Arah, the Director General of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), praised the Federal Government’s support through NEMA and assured continued collaboration for the well-being of the IDPs as plans for their safe return are developed.
Chairman of Shiroro Local Government Council, Malam Akilu Isiyaku Kuta, also expressed his readiness to provide any necessary assistance to facilitate the community’s return to their ancestral lands.
Meanwhile, several IDPs voiced their hopes for government action at all levels to ensure their safe repatriation to their homes. In Niger State, there are currently 46,853 IDPs, including men, women, and children, residing across 14 camps, with 5,823 of them located at the Gwada camp in Shiroro Local Government Area.
