IDFP Visits IDP Camp In Zamfara

The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) on Wednesday visited the Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camp in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The visit to the camp by the forum, which is supported by the Vienna-based KAICIID Dialogue Centre, was made possible after the Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad Anka, told the IDFP team on advocacy camp that there are still some displaced persons in his emirate living in IDP camps.
After a visit to the palace, the IDFP team was led to the yet-to-be completed New Emir Palace where no fewer than 120, comprising men, women and children are living. An official of the emirate briefed the team on efforts deployed by the emirate in ensuring the welfare of The IDPs was catered for.
“In this IDP camp alone, we have no fewer than 120 displaced persons. There are about 80 in a secondary school that is not too far from here, with another 50 presently living at the New Jumat Mosque.
“In the heat of the violence that affected the emirate, His Royal Highness directed that the new palace, which is yet to be completed, should be opened for the internally displaced persons. Most of them, if not all, are not from Anka but from surrounding towns located in Anka Local Government Area,” said the representative.
Addressing the displaced persons, the Head of the IDFP team, Alhaji Aminu Yakubu, said they were in the camp to sympathise with them over the unfortunate incident that has led to their present condition.
“We have heard of what has happened and we are here to talk to relevant groups in the state in a bid to find solutions to the problems plaguing Zamfara state. We wish to assure you that you are not alone in this, as many, like our Forum, are seriously concerned over your fate.
“We were unaware of the existence of any IDP camp in Zamfara. But now that we have seen one, we shall be sending our representatives tomorrow (Thursday) with some provisions and items and provisions to cushion the challenges of living here.
One of the women expressed happiness over the visit and prayed to God for the safe return of the team to Abuja. On Thursday, Dr Comfort Amfani-Joe and Sister Juliana Ekwoanya, among others, returned to the camp donate the items as promised.