FG to deploy stringent measures against insecurity in Niger

• 11,000 children stranded as govt shuts 400 schools
The Federal Government is poised to implement stringent measures that would soon end activities of banditry and terrorism that has forced the closure of 400 schools and 11,000 children out of school in Niger State.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, stated this at the weekend, while presenting starter packs to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Gwade camp in Shiroro Local Council.

The minister, who raised concern over the spate of out-of-school children in the state, noted education as fundamental towards addressing poverty and vices in the society.

“We are here to assess the situation and ensure that we intervene to change things for the better. I have seen a couple of things here, particularly regarding your poor living conditions in this camp.

“The President directed me to inform you all that hope is near, and that he will provide durable solutions to all the things that are bothering you. We are considering resettling all the IDPs here because of the insecurity in their various places. We are optimistic that resettling them in Shiroro will be better, so that you can be safe, and your children can go back to school,” she emphasised.

According to him, 435 IDPs in the state have benefitted from the N-Skill programme, adding that starter packs would be presented to them alongside some palliatives to alleviate their situation.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Ahmed Suleiman, revealed that the state had 22,071 IDPs in communities affected by banditry.

He disclosed that residents in 12 of the 25 local councils of the state were displaced due to insecurity.

He stated: “The state government is faced with the challenge of providing all necessary amenities and food, aside the huge funds allocated to fighting insecurity.’’