Three individuals have lost their lives in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas in Niger State, attributed to inadequate healthcare facilities and food shortages.

The disclosure came from Mr. Hussaini Alhassan, Desk Officer at the Gwada IDP camp, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

Alhassan shared the grim update as a local organization, the North South Power Foundation (NSPF), provided relief materials valued at N30 million to support 12 IDP locations in the affected councils.

The displaced, who fled insecurity in Kaore and Bassa communities of Shiroro, have resided in Gwada camp for six years. He noted recent deaths, including two newborns during delivery and an elderly woman, as reported by Mr. Yusuf Kuta, Coordinator of Kuta IDP camp, where approximately 300 individuals—predominantly women and children—face ongoing shortages of essentials.

The relief effort, which included 150 bags of 25kg rice, 150 bags of 50kg maize, 20 bags of 50kg garin kwaki, five bags of 50kg sugar, 12 bags of 50kg beans, 40 cartons of seasoning cubes, 50 cartons of tomatoes, 52 gallons of palm oil, 42 gallons of vegetable oil, and 12 bags of 25kg salt, was presented by Dr. Kemi Adekanye, represented by Dr. Samson Esumeh.

Adekanye highlighted the initiative’s alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on food security, expressing a commitment to the welfare of the host communities. Local leaders, including Alhaji Aminu Najume of Munya LGA and Mr. Sanusi Musa of Shiroro LGA, acknowledged the support, noting improved security and ongoing government efforts to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their homes.

The benefiting camps include Central Primary School, Town Hall, Basic Health Centre, Area Development Centre, Central Primary School, Gwada, Model Primary School, Gwada, Central Primary School, Kuta, Central Primary School, Dangunu, Rural Hospital Extension, Dangunu, Danawi Primary School, Sarkin Pawa, Jaifulu Primary School, Sarkin Pawa, and Town Hall, Sarkin Pawa/Kuchi in Shiroro and Munya LGAs.

The displacement stems from prolonged insecurity in the region, driven by armed banditry and terrorist activities that have forced residents from communities like Kaore and Bassa since 2019, exacerbating challenges for those now reliant on such aid.