By Olukayode Michael, Maiduguri
Victims of fire outbreaks at internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in
Borno State have been given relief materials.
About 230 households were last week affected by fire outbreaks in IDP camps
accommodating people of both Ngetra and Zowo areas of Gubio and Marte local
government areas.
Recent fire outbreaks in IDP camps in four local governments areas of Borno
State, Nganzai, Marte, Monguno and Gubio have left lover 13 persons dead.
Flagging off the distribution of the relief items at Borno State Emergency
Management Agency (SEMA) stores in Maiduguri on Saturday, Governor Kashim
Shettima sympathized with victims of the inferno, and pledged his
administration’s determination to assist in whatever capacity to cushion the
immediate hardship of the less privileges in the society.
The governor, who was represented by the Chairperson of SEMA, Hajiya Yabawa
Kolo said, the State Government in collaboration with National Emergency
Management Agency (NEMA) and Presidential Committee on North East Initiatives
(PCNI) have provided enough relief items for the victims of disaster,
particularly IDPs who are taking refuge at designated resettlement camps across
the state.
The governor representative said: “We are gathered here to witness the
official launching/handing over of relief items to the Caretaker Chairmen of
Gubio and Marte, Hon. Zanna Modu and Hon. Ali Shettima with a Committee set up
for onward distribution to victims of fire incidence that consumed hundreds of
households.
“Just yesterday (Friday), we were in Gajiram the Council Headquarters of
Nganzai with Governor Kashim Shettima to launch the distribution of relief
items to about 1500 households affected by fire outbreak.
“From the records at our disposal, there are four Local Government Areas
affected by fire incidence in the last two weeks, we have intervened in
Nganzai, Monguno, and today we are giving out our widow’s mite to Gubio and
Marte fire victims.
“As you can see, Gubio which has recorded 230 households affected by the
inferno will receive 500 bags of 25kg Maize grid, 200 bags of 10kg wheat, 200
wheat flour mill, 300 sets of wrappers and 500 plastic cups.
“Other items include; 50 water jerrican, 50 water bowl, vegetable oil, 250
packets of sugar cube, 300 pieces of Dignitry kits, mosquito nets, 300 pieces
of blankets, 300 sets of slippers and plastic mats among others for
onward distribution.
“While Marte Local Government Area will receive theirs at Muna Kumbori
IDPs camp in Maiduguri.” Yabawa said.
Receiving the items, Caretaker Chairmen of Gubio and Marte, Hon. Zanna Modu and
Hon. Ali Shettima thanked the State Government and other donors for coming to
the aid of those affected by fire disaster.
Hon. Zanna Modu said, in Gubio alone, about 230 households of Ngetra and Zawo
wards were affected with loss of three lives, adding that the Council under his
administration quickly intervened by visiting the scene.
Zannah who commended Governor Shettima, SEMA and other donor agencies for
prompt response, promised that the items would be distributed within 48 hours.
He said, already he has inaugurated a high powered Committee led by its
Chairman, Alhaji Dogo Mohammed who doubles as Chairman of the ruling All
Progressives Congress (APC) with 14 other members charged with responsibility
of distributing the items judiciously.
The Caretaker Chairman also said, the Committee would be given adequate cover
by security agencies and men of the Civilian Joint Task Force to ensure smooth
exercise.
