Gunning after IDP rice

We are shocked and saddened by the sorry
stories making the rounds that some
unscrupulous government officials are now going
after the food items which are meant to feed the
victims and escapees of Boko Haram attacks who
have been sheltered inside and outside the
Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the
North East, especially Borno State.

Earlier last week, reports had it that some
officials of the National Emergency Management
Agency (NEMA) were caught re-bagging the rice
procured by government, charitable Nigerians
and foreign donors for the feeding of the IDPs.
When the story broke, the Borno State
Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, ordered an
investigation with a view to dealing with those
behind those dastardly acts.

On Thursday, June 23,
there were media reports that a “shootout” took
place in the Borno State Government House
between policemen stationed to guard the rice
meant for the displaced persons and some
soldiers. The reports had it that the soldiers
attempted to hijack the distribution of the rice,
which met with stiff resistance from the
policemen on duty, and thus sparked the
shootout that injured a policeman.

We commend the Borno State Government for
the prompt steps it took to nip both acts of
brigandage in the bud. The Army also acted with
dispatch and ensured that the few rogue soldiers
who instigated the violence were apprehended
for disciplinary action.

It is saddening that food meant for the care of
people displaced from their communities is now
being targeted by criminal-minded government
officials and a few misguided soldiers who see it
as another government bonanza to grab by hook
or crook.

Unfortunately, the noble intention to include
refugees who live outside the IDP camps in the
distribution of the food items was misconstrued
as an opportunity for-a free for-all attitude to
the relief materials.

We urge the state government and the military
authorities to make an example of those found
culpable in these crimes to serve as an example
to others with the same intention that such
inhuman behaviour cannot be tolerated.

There have been many reports of severe
malnutrition among the IDPs (especially those
living inside the Camps) consequent upon poor
quality of food. With millions of mouths to feed
at least twice a day, the Borno State Government
is bearing a burden that only requires collective
efforts to assist the victims to survive.

Those of us who are more fortunate should
extend our hands of charity and love to those in
need as no one knows when it might be his or
her turn to need the help of other kind-hearted
people.

We hope and pray for the speedy end of the
Boko Haram war so that IDPs can go back to their
communities and resume their livelihood – with
human dignity.