By Correspondent in Minna.
The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Mokwa, Niger State, established to provide temporary shelter for victims of the May 29, 2025 flood disaster, has been shut down by the state government over security concerns and allegations of misuse.
The Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA), Alhaji Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi, announced the closure after an expanded security meeting held at the council secretariat.
He said the decision was taken in the best interest of the community,following multiple complaints from residents and intelligence reports.
Our correspondent gathered that the camp, originally set up by the Nigerian Red Cross Society with the support of UNICEF, was meant to provide relief to hundreds of displaced persons after the flood claimed lives and destroyed property worth billions of naira.
However, Muregi said the Red Cross went ahead with the project without official approval from the council.
“The IDPs camp, as it stands today, poses imminent danger not only to Mokwa town but to neighbouring villages and the state. Its continued existence is a danger in disguise, and government has taken proactive steps to address the situation before it gets out of control,” he stated.
According to the chairman, investigations revealed that the camp had been infiltrated by individuals who were not victims of the flood disaster.
Reports also indicated that it was fast becoming a hub for unwholesome activities, exposing female victims and nearby communities to serious risks,he added.
Following the complaints, the local government directed all occupants to vacate the premises within 24 hours, while security agencies and the state governor were officially notified.
The demolition of the structures was supervised by the Nigeria Police Area Commander of New Bussa, ACP Godwin Ihean, alongside other security agencies.
Traditional and community leaders, including the Ndalile of Mokwa, Alhaji Muhammed Shaba, the Etsuyamkpa of Ndayako, and the Sarkin Hausawa of Mokwa, also attended the security meeting where the decision was ratified.
Residents living close to the camp expressed relief over its closure.
Malam Musa Sheshi, a neighbour, told our correspondent that the facility was often deserted during the day but became crowded at night with people of questionable identity. “We feared it could even become a hideout for armed bandits,” he added.
Another resident, Yusuf Isah, alleged that some men used the camp for immoral activities, noting that “the place looked more like a nightlife hub than a shelter for genuine victims.”
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
