A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Yellow Jerrycan Save A Child Foundation, has decried the neglect and squalor at the Durumi Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) Camp in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking during a visit to felicitate with children at the camp as part of activities to mark the Children’s Day, the Founder of the foundation, Ms. Adaora Onyechere, said the situation at the camp was unfortunate and called on the government to address the deplorable standard of living in the camp.
“I can’t believe what we just saw. The place reeks of utter neglect and squalor. For the reason that these people are IDPs for no fault of theirs is not enough reason to allow them live like this,” she said.
According to Onyechere, a broadcast journalist, if government had failed in its responsibility to provide for the IDPs’ safety, then it should not neglect their welfare.
“It is absolutely necessary to state that the security and welfare of every citizen is the responsibility of government. And if government has failed in securing the lives and property of some Nigerians such that they have become internally displaced, then government ought to at least ensure their welfare. But that is clearly lacking here.
“Looking around and seeing how the children here are amidst the poverty and decay, one wonders what hope these kids have.
“I appeal to the government, local and federal, to give a facelift to the camp. Let there be running water and a measure of waterproof tents. This is rainy season and it is important to ensure that children and women in particular don’t begin to come down with sicknesses.”
She called on the media to continue to highlight stories of marginalised and poor communities, stressing that except the media focuses on such stories, most Nigerians will be left behind in poverty.
The foundation’s visit to the IDPs’ camp, she said, was to give the children a sense of belonging and make them not to feel forgotten.
