Insecurity: Plans to close IDP camps in Maiduguri poses danger to returnees ― Amnesty International

Amnesty International (AI), on Tuesday, expressed deep concern about the safety of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State, who are at risk of forced resettlement as the Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Zulum moves to close all IDP camps within Maiduguri by 31 December 2021, despite continued attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP and human rights violations by the military.

In a public statement released, which is based on interaction with former IDP returnees and individuals currently living in IDP camps within Maiduguri, survivors informed Amnesty International that they fear for their lives as they are being forced to leave the IDP camps with short notice and many are coerced to remain in resettled areas despite escalating attacks.

One of the returnees, a 28-year old housewife said “the conflict that made us flee our homes out of fear, is what the government is forcing us to go back and face. We fear the attacks may happen again. I am so scared of going back home after what I faced at the hands of Boko Haram and while in detention in Giwa Barracks.”

• IDPs forced to return home despite attacks by armed groups

According to the statement, which was signed by the country director of Amnesty International, Nigeria, Osai Ojigho “returning displaced persons forcibly to villages that are not safe would be in violation of the Nigerian government’s responsibility of protecting the right to life of civilians.”

“Most displaced persons barely escaped from Boko Haram’s campaign of killings, abductions, looting and torture, or from the attacks, extrajudicial killings or torture in unlawful detention by the Nigerian military. They have endured years of gross human rights violations and abuses, including war crimes by the military and armed groups.

“At least six people were killed and 14 injured in Agiri, Mafa Local Government Area on 30 August 2021, one month after they were resettled. Returnees in New Marte, Agiri and Shuwari have experienced multiple attacks by Boko Haram since their resettlement.

“It is absolutely shocking that people who already suffered so much in the conflict between Boko Haram and the Nigerian military would further be exposed to horrendous possible violations and abuses, instead of receiving protection from the authorities.

“Most of the resettled IDPs that Amnesty spoke to, have little or no access to essential services like drinking water, healthcare, sanitation and live in extreme poverty. Inadequate housing and lack of job opportunities in resettled villages have further compounded their sufferings.

“At least 41 people died in early October 2021 during a cholera outbreak in the resettled camp in Shuwari, Jere Local Government Area while 20 older people and 21 children were killed by the disease.

“More than 10,000 households still living in Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camps within Maiduguri are at risk of forced resettlement by 31 December 2021 as the Borno state government plans to continue their resettlement programme at all cost.

“Amnesty International is calling on the Borno state government to abide by their obligations to IDPs under international law and ensure all resettled individuals and people living in IDP camps have access to adequate housing, food, water, sanitation and healthcare. The government should also ensure that all children are able to continue their education,” the statement concluded.

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