Niger IDP camps face deaths from hunger, poor healthcare

Three deaths have been reported in Niger State IDP camps as displaced families battle hunger, poor medical care, and lack of essential supplies.

At least three persons have died in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps located in Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas of Niger State, drawing attention to the harsh living conditions endured by thousands of displaced families in the region.

Camp officials confirmed that the deaths include two newborn babies who lost their lives during childbirth at the Gwada IDP camp in Shiroro, as well as an elderly woman who passed away at the Kuta camp in Munya.

The incidents have once again exposed the severe lack of healthcare facilities, food, and other essentials in the camps where displaced persons have lived for years.

According to Hussaini Alhassan, the Desk Officer in charge of the Gwada camp, most of the IDPs are survivors from Kaore and Bassa communities in Shiroro.

They fled their ancestral homes over six years ago due to persistent armed attacks and insecurity.

Since then, they have lived in difficult conditions, relying on humanitarian support and donations from individuals and organizations.

Alhassan lamented that the Gwada camp has no functional health facility, forcing women to deliver babies under unsafe conditions.

He noted that the two recent deaths of newborns during childbirth were preventable if basic medical services had been available.

“We urgently need health facilities, drugs, and trained personnel in these camps. Otherwise, the lives of our people, especially women and children, will continue to be at risk,” he said.

In the Kuta camp, which currently hosts over 300 displaced persons, Coordinator Yusuf Kuta confirmed that an elderly woman also died recently due to worsening conditions.

He stressed that hunger remains the most pressing challenge, as families struggle daily to secure enough food.

“Most of the IDPs here are women and children, and their situation is heartbreaking.

“They lack adequate nutrition, clothing, and shelter. Without external support, survival is extremely difficult,” he explained.

Amid these challenges, relief came in the form of donations from the North South Power Foundation (NSPF), which presented food and essential supplies valued at N30 million to 12 IDP camps across Shiroro and Munya LGAs.

Dr. Kemi Adekanye, Head of NSPF, said the foundation was moved by the visible struggles of displaced families.

Represented by Dr. Samson Esumeh, a Public Relations Consultant to the North South Power Company (NSPCL), Adekanye explained that the support aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on ending hunger and promoting food security.

“We are committed to the welfare of these displaced persons, especially as they belong to our host communities.

“Our goal is to ensure they live healthier and happier lives despite the difficult circumstances,” she said.

The items donated include: 150 bags of 25kg rice, 150 bags of 50kg maize, 20 bags of 50kg garin kwaki, 12 bags of 50kg beans, 5 bags of 50kg sugar, 40 cartons of seasoning cubes, 50 cartons of tomatoes, 52 gallons of palm oil, 42 gallons of vegetable oil, and 12 bags of 25kg salt.

Leaders from the affected councils expressed gratitude for the intervention. Alhaji Aminu Najume, Chairman of Munya LGA, commended NSPF for its consistent support and revealed that the government is making gradual progress toward resettling IDPs back in their homes.

He noted that security in Munya has improved compared to the past, allowing freer movement within the area.

“The situation is better than it used to be. People can now travel without the constant fear of attacks, though challenges still remain,” he said.

Similarly, Mr. Sanusi Musa, Secretary of Shiroro LGA, applauded the foundation’s humanitarian gesture and assured that the Niger State Government is working closely with local authorities to restore security and create conditions for the safe return of displaced persons.

The plight of IDPs in Niger State mirrors the struggles of displaced communities across northern Nigeria, where ongoing insecurity has forced thousands of families into camps.

With limited access to health, food, and education, many continue to depend heavily on donations.

Humanitarian actors and government agencies have repeatedly called for more sustainable solutions, including resettlement and community rebuilding, to restore dignity and normalcy to their lives.