The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says some of the displaced persons during the recent Baga crisis in Borno are still hiding in the bush.
In a statement signed by its Information Officer in the North East Zone, Mr Abdul kadir Ibrahim, in Yola on Monday, NEMA said on arrival into Baga town following the return of normalcy, it discovered that most of the displaced persons are still scattered in the bush.
“Other people are taking refuge in the homes of their relations in the neighbouring communities,” it said.
He said that humanitarian workers led by the agency had commenced distribution of relief items to displaced persons affected by the crisis.
“This is in line with the President Goodluck Jonathan directive to the agency that immediate relief materials should be given to the people. The Director General of NEMA, Muhammad Sani Sidi had dispatched a team of officers with the relief and medical items to affected persons in the area,” Ibrahim said.
“The major task before NEMA is to ensure that people in the bush are relocated to temporary camps,” the statement quoted NEMA Director, Search and Rescue, Air Commondore Charles Otebagde as saying.
It also revealed that an immediate rapid assessment was being conducted in collaboration with Red Cross and other voluntary organisations just as relief items are being distributed. Also, those with minor injuries are being treated at a temporary camp clinic opened in the area.
The statement listed the affected communities as Bayan Bulabulin, Anguwa Gajagaja, Aliya, Musarin Baga, Kasuwan baga, Layin Yannono.
It appealed to the people to remain calm as no meaningful development could be achieved without peace.
The items distributed by the officials together with other humanitarian workers included medical, sanitary, food, household materials and tents.
(NAN)
