IG opens special investigation into abuse of IDPs

• Group votes N120m for 7, 000 widows

The Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris has set up a special panel to investigate the alleged abuse of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the north east.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Don Awunah in Abuja yesterday said the decision to set up the panel was predicated on the report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) that camp officials, soldiers, policemen, vigilance groups, among others, were engaged in unprofessional conduct, as regards the IDPs.

Awunah said the IGP had “set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to immediately commence a thorough investigation into all cases of alleged sexual abuses, exploitation, harassment, gender-based violence and professional misconduct on IDPs in some of north-eastern states.”

“The IGP, who is irrevocably committed to the protection of all Nigerians, most especially vulnerable groups such as IDPs, expressed deep concern over the submissions in the report and has directed the panel to carry out a discreet and unbiased investigation into all the cases of abuse and misconduct alleged in the report.”

While directing the commissioners of police (CPs) in the affected areas to beef up security around the camps, IGP Idris urged the group to provide “more facts that will assist the police investigation team conclude the inquiry into the alleged forty three (43) cases mentioned in the HRW report.”

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Victims Support Fund (VSF), Prof. Sunday Ocheche, has said N120 million has been earmarked for 7,000 widows and other vulnerable women affected by Boko Haram.

Ocheche disclosed this at the take off of VSF project in Maiha Council Area of Adamawa state.

He said that the beneficiaries were 7, 000 widows and other vulnerable women, who would be given an unconditional cash grant of N20, 000 each to start a small business of her choice.

Also, the Inanna Women’s Empowerment Foundation (IWEF) has solicited protection for aid workers in the war-ravaged north east.

General Manager of the group, Funmi Bolaji urged the Federal Government and state agencies in Benin City to focus on improving security to allow NGOs to continue to bring relief materials to the affected population.