(Report from NEMA)- The National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA) has delivered 540 metric tonnes of assorted relief items approved by the Federal Government to Nigerian refugees in the Republic of Niger who are taking shelter in different locations in the Diffa region as a result of Boko Haram insurgency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. The items which include foods and non foods are meant to provide succor to Nigerian refugees. These were handed over to the Governor of Diffa region for onward distribution to beneficiaries.
The Director General of NEMA, Muhammad Sani Sidi, who was accompanied by the Nigerian Ambassador to Niger Republic, Alhaji Alyu Sokoto, the Director General of National Orientation Agency, Mike Omeri, the Secretary General of Nigerian Red Cross, Bello Dharam, handed over the items through the Nigerian Ambassador to Diffa Governor, Yakouba Saumana Gao.
Nigerian Ambassador to Republic of Niger, Alhaji Aliyu Sokoto said as a result of unprecedented activities of Boko Haram in the North Eastern Nigeria, many Nigerian citizens from Borno and Yobe States, especially those living close to the Nigeria-Niger boarder have crossed into Diffa region of Republic of Niger to seek safety and protection of their dignity; while the Government and the good people of Republic of Niger have received them, even at the detriment of their personal convenience and risk of depleting means of livelihood of the Nigeriens.
NEMA’s DG said the Nigerian Government is in response to the humanitarian crisis and to assist the Nigerian Refugees in the Republic of Niger while working assiduously to end the terrorism.
Sani Sidi reiterated the readiness of the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide succor to its citizens who are in distress. He said similar relief items would be provided to Nigerian Refugees in Republic of Chad and Cameroun. He urged the displaced Nigerians to remain peaceful with their host country up till they return back to their communities.
The Governor of Diffa, Yakouba Saumana Gao who received the items said the Government of Republic of Niger through Diffa region has been working with UN agencies and International NGOs in providing shelter, feeding and facilities at the camps. He said the government of the Diffa region will work with traditional rulers and representatives of refugees in all the camps to ensure that the delivered items reach the victims. He said the President of Niger Republic has directed the Government of Diffa region to allow all Nigerian Refugees to stay wherever they want as long as they would be law abiding, till they return to their country.
The Representative of one of the camps in Gagamari, Bura Goni expressed appreciation for the hospitality of the community that host them and to the Federal Government of Nigeria for the relief assistance. Some of the camps are located in Bosso, Gyasare, Garin Dogo, Geskeru, Diffa, Sayam, Gudumari, Gamarin, Maine, Shatamari, Yuskou and Gagamari.
Diffa region in Niger Republic is about 25km to the boarder of Borno and Yobe States and that have made it convenient for Nigerians in distress to cross over to seek refuge.
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