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Following a growing number of pregnancy-related cases in the camp, some Internally Displaced Persons in Abuja on Sunday said they had been encouraged to take a break from childbearing due to the economic challenges in the country.
The women spoke with our correspondent in separate interviews during the donation of relief materials and medical outreach organised by the Chiggy Nsofor Foundation at the Kuchingoro camp for the IDPs in the Federal Capital Territory.
No fewer than 100 pregnant women and 300 others were beneficiaries of the food and medical supplies.
Commending the initiative, an indigene of Zangon Kataf in Kaduna State, Christiana Ishaya, who fled her home to escape the onslaught of bandits, lamented that they struggled with basic amenities in the camp.
While admitting that many pregnant women in the camp have struggled with certain needs, Ishaya disclosed that some of them have been given family planning pills and urged to slow down on childbearing as a result of the excruciating economic hardship ravaging the country.
She said, “We ended up in this IDP camp because of the bandit attacks in Kaduna State. While we have received some helpful donations, our state government has not visited us. Our village in Zangon Kataf is still unsafe due to the presence of bandits, and even soldiers find it hard to reach there.
“Several women have gotten pregnant in this camp over the last two years. Some of them have been encouraged to take a break from childbearing due to economic challenges, and family planning pills have been distributed. We struggle with basic amenities like clean water, toilets and electricity. Even though we live in makeshift shelters, we still need light.”
Another survivor of the insurgent attack from Borno State, Rahama Iliya, shared her sentiment.
Illiya, who has spent eight years in the camp, also raised concern that no single official was sent by the state government to see how they are doing in the IDP camp.
“Many women have given birth here but I can’t give an exact number. Every year, women get pregnant and deliver, and the cycle continues. We face challenges and it is heartbreaking that we haven’t seen any direct intervention from our leaders.
“We were forced into this IDP camp because of the insurgent attacks in Borno State. While we are deeply grateful for those who have provided us with food, clothing and medicine, we cannot ignore the absence of our state governor or any of his representatives. It has been eight years and we are still hoping for their support,” she bemoaned.
Another Boko Haram survivor from Borno State, Mustapha Umar, explained that aside from Senator Ali Ndume, his wife and a few friends who visited once to donate food items, there was no single representative from the state government.
Earlier in her speech, the Founder of the foundation, Chigozie Nsofor, appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and the government at all levels not to leave the IDPs to their fate.
Nsofor stated that his initiative has so far provided medical services to over 400 people, along with food and scholarship assistance.
He said, “Our decision to focus on IDP camps stems from the immense challenges these people face. They have been displaced from their homes, and if anyone is in urgent need of assistance, it is the people in these camps.
“While we’ve encountered many challenges, including communication difficulties, we are determined to continue our work here. The needs are overwhelming, and every visit leaves us deeply moved.
“If the government could step in to support these individuals, especially in providing proper education, it would make a world of difference.”
