Paul Obi Abuja
As part of its intervention programmes, the Ministry of Defence has constructed a borehole and a toilet for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kara Majiji, in the outskirt of Abuja metropolis.
The ministry also presented relief materials the IDPs, which include food items, building materials among other items.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, explained that with the increasing cases of conflicts around the country, there was need to bring succour to IDPs.
The minister who was represented at the event by Rear Admiral Stanford Enoch stressed that the construction of a borehole, a VIP toilet and the distribution of relief materials was carried out with the intention to ensure IDPs are not left in the state of complete neglect.
He added that the federal government through the Ministry of Defence will continue to assist the IDPs by reducing the burden of hardship and ensuring that they return to their homes some day.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Nuratu Batagarawa, represented by the Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Huda Metteden, tasked the IDPs to properly maintain the facilities and ensure that they last long.
Speaking, Director of Health Services in the ministry, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade stated that “insurgent activities of Boko Haram sect in Nigeria over the past six years have forced more than a million people to flee their homes. This has resulted in unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the North Eastern part of the country.
“The Health Service Department of the ministry carries out medical outreach programmes from time to time to vulnerable communities. We visited Kara Majiji, to compound the issues; there is not a single health facility for this community.
“It is in view of the enormous burden of health challenges faced by members of the IDPs camp, the department is conducting an integrated medical outreach with the commissioning of a borehole and ventilated improved toilets,” she said.
Akinlade listed other activities carried out to include fumigation of surroundings, free ultrasound test, laboratory test and counselling.
Chairman of Kara Majiji IDPs Camp, Muhammed Abukakar commended efforts of the ministry in the provision of borehole and toilets.
Abubakar further pledged that the facilities would be properly taken care of and the relief materials distributed among the IDPs within the camp.
