According to Save the Children (SCI) Nigeria, approximately 150,000 children are currently residing in 26 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Maiduguri, Borno State, following severe flooding that struck the region last week. Many of these children are separated from their families.
The Federal Government has mobilized a specialized team from the Federal Ministry of Environment to address the aftermath of the flood, focusing on preventing the spread of waterborne diseases and identifying hazardous chemicals. Additionally, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has donated N500 million to aid flood-affected individuals.
Duncan Harvey, Country Director of SCI Nigeria, reported that over 1 million people in Borno State have been impacted by the floods, with 400,000 displaced. Among these, 300,000 are in IDP camps, such as Bakassi Camp, which is noted for particularly harsh conditions for children, including overcrowding and insufficient basic services.
Harvey highlighted the urgent need for food, water, and shelter, especially for children and their families. SCI is working to reunite children separated from their families and provide essential care. The organization is also concerned about increased malnutrition among children, exacerbated by the disaster occurring during a lean season.
With around 200 staff members on the ground, SCI is collaborating with the Borno State government, the UN, and other international NGOs to enhance response efforts. The focus remains on scaling up life-saving interventions for children, ensuring access to safe drinking water, and providing appropriate care and nutrition.