NIGER, Nigeria – Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kafin-Koro town, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, are suffering from a lack of basic necessities, including food and clothing, according to local sources.
A one-year-old boy, Christopher Yusuf, has been diagnosed with kwashiorkor amidst the crisis. His mother was among those kidnapped on March 14, 2023, in Adunu, Paikoro LGA.
Bahago Dauda Musa, Coordinator of the Justice, Development, and Peace Commission (JDPC) for the Catholic Diocese of Minna, reported that the infant had survived on tea and artificial milk, which he rarely accepts. He revealed that Christopher was taken to a private hospital in Adunu for treatment, where he received drips and drugs.
Musa urged the government to assist in securing the release of dozens of captives, as the ransom demands from bandits have been reduced from N200 million to N100 million.
Communities have begun raising funds to secure their loved ones’ release. Some abductees were reportedly killed, while others were released as a threat to collect the ransom.
The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for comment.
However, Niger State Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, Emmanuel Umar, stated that the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has been directed to provide relief materials for victims.
Umar also commented on the ongoing efforts to rescue those in captivity, saying, “Our security operatives are doing their best in rescuing them.
“He acknowledged that informants within the affected communities have been aiding the criminals but expressed gratitude for the recent neutralization of some kidnappers and rescue of some abductees,” Umar said.
Regarding the malnutrition issue, Umar assured that health professionals would be engaged to provide medical support to the victims. NSEMA Director General Ibrahim Inga confirmed that the Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, had met with community leaders and issued directives to provide relief support to the victims.
