By Stephen Osu
Jalingo
Fleeing Cameroonian refugees, including women and children camping in Mambila Plateau, Taraba state, are presently facing humanitarian crisis in the area.
The crises range from poor hygienic conditions, accommodation, lack of food and safe drinking water.
Secretary of the refugees, Mr Maurice Rinda, told Blueprint in a telephone interview that most of the refugees trekked through long distances and difficult terrains, and in the process, contracted water born diseases.
According to him, the refugees were under threats of water borne diseases, including cholera and diarrhea.
Rinda said the refugees were also being confronted with the challenge of malnutrition as they sleep several nights without food.
He added that the accommodation facility available to them could hardly give them shelter, saying the atmosphere in their new abode was inadequate compared to their number, which include women and children.
He, however, commended the efforts of Taraba state and Sarduna local government authorities for assisting them address some critical concerns.
Rinda, therefore, called on the United Nations to come to their rescue to alleviate their present traumatic conditions.
Desk officer of Taraba state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), George Kataps, posted to the affected local government area in his reaction, told Blueprint that the state, through the agency, was aware of the challenges facing the refugees and was doing her best to assist.
He explained further that the state had renovated an old remand home in Gembu and provided toilet facilities at the place but admitted that the facility was not enough as the number kept increasing daily.
Kataps also said the state was making arrangements for the refugees to have basic needs.
