Borno State’s Relief Camp Shutdown Sparks Crisis Among Flood Survivors

In the wake of devastating floods that ravaged Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area (LGA), Borno State’s decision to close relief camps has left many displaced families in confusion and despair. Survivors, whose homes remain uninhabitable, voiced concerns that the abrupt closure of the camps would push them into deeper hardship, as they have nowhere else to go.

Despite efforts by government officials and humanitarian agencies managing the camps, there have been complaints that individuals from unaffected areas have infiltrated the camps to take advantage of the relief supplies meant for genuine flood victims. Reports suggest that people from nearby Damboa LGA and distant areas like Bama, Mafa, and Dikwa have entered the camps seeking food and support.

This camp closure comes at a time when the state government is working to resettle victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, who have been displaced from their ancestral homes for over 15 years. Governor Babagana Umara Zulum clarified that only camps operating in schools would be shut down to facilitate the resumption of learning activities.

However, a visit to Bakassi, one of the largest camps, revealed that many displaced people were being asked to leave. Zara Isa, a mother of six, lamented, “We were given food and money, but we have nowhere to go.” Similar sentiments were echoed by other survivors, like Habiba Idris and Rabi Ibrahim, who face homelessness after losing their homes to the floods.

In response to these concerns, Borno’s Commissioner for Information, Usman Tar, assured that temporary tents would be provided for survivors to shelter in while the government assesses the damage and plans for reconstruction.

Since the floods, the state has established 36 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to assist the thousands affected. The aftermath of the disaster has also led to environmental hazards, including a pungent smell emanating from Gwange cemetery, where floodwaters damaged graves.

Governor Zulum, during a meeting with United Nations (UN) officials, stressed the need for collaboration to avoid the duplication of efforts, citing instances where non-victims have entered camps to exploit relief aid. UN representatives commended the governor’s commitment to addressing the flood crisis and assured their continued support in rebuilding damaged homes, hospitals, and infrastructure.

Despite assurances, many survivors are pleading for more time and support before being sent away from the camps, as they struggle with the aftermath of both the floods and displacement.