Banditry has created 700,000 IDPs in Zamfara, says state govt

From: Femi  Oyelola, Kaduna

Over 700,000 Internally  Displaced Persons (IDPs) are said to be in various camps in Zamfara state due to the activities of  bandits.

This was expressed by the state government, at a joint press conference by the State Commissioner of Information, Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara  and the Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, DIG Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe (rtd) in Kaduna state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara said the

Government has established 8 centres across Zamfara state to take care of the  IDPs.

He  added that each of the 14 local government areas of the state currently has emergency relief desk officers shouldering the responsibilities of assisting the IDPs in their respective local governments.

The  Commissioner disclosed  that the  government created the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development  saddled with the responsibilities to take good care of all IDPs as well as people affected as a result of banditry, natural or any other disaster.

“The ministry has been up and doing in assisting victims of both man made and natural disasters in the state.

“In addition to the provision of food items, clothing, bed, mattresses, etc by the state government, the Ministry appreciates the untiring efforts of the international donor agencies in this regard.

“These donor agencies complement the efforts of the state government through cash transfers to our IDPs, ranging from N30, 000 to N40, 000 periodically to these victims.

“The federal government too has been committing huge sums in this regard. The Zamfara state government remains grateful to all who contributes in relieving the worries of the worries of these innocent people across the state.”