NCA, Barnabas Aid UK Reach 1,000 Displaced Households in Borno with Relief Support

By: Michael Mike

The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), covering 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has provided humanitarian relief to 1,000 displaced households in Borno State, in a renewed effort to support victims of the Boko Haram insurgency.

The intervention, funded by Barnabas Aid UK, targeted vulnerable families currently taking refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and host communities in Maiduguri. Beneficiaries received essential food items including 25kg bags of rice, garri, maize, and beans, alongside vegetable oil, palm oil, seasoning, and salt.

The distribution exercise, which formed part of a wider humanitarian outreach implemented across Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, and Ondo States, is aimed at cushioning the impact of prolonged displacement and insecurity affecting communities across northern Nigeria.

Flagging off the distribution at the Pentecostal Believers Covenant Church (PBCC), Gomari Airport, Maiduguri, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, described the intervention as a lifeline for families grappling with the harsh realities of displacement.

He said the initiative reflects a sustained commitment that began in December last year, noting that Borno State remains one of the most affected by insurgency, with thousands of families still struggling to rebuild their lives.

“We are here not just to distribute food items, but to remind you that you are not forgotten,” Reverend Hayab said. “This gesture is a demonstration of faith translated into action—compassion that responds directly to human suffering.”

He expressed gratitude to Barnabas Aid UK for what he described as consistent humanitarian support, stressing that reaching 1,000 households in conflict-affected communities represents a significant intervention at a critical time.

According to him, the resilience of displaced persons remains a source of encouragement to the Christian community across Northern Nigeria.

Reverend Hayab also called for sustained peace and unity in Borno State and across the country, urging citizens to embrace tolerance and reject violence in all its forms.

“No faith promotes hatred or destruction. We must continue to see one another as brothers and sisters, regardless of religion or ethnicity,” he said, adding that collective healing and rebuilding depend on unity and mutual respect.

He further encouraged beneficiaries to extend compassion within their communities, stressing that solidarity among displaced persons and host communities is vital for long-term recovery.

Earlier, the Secretary-General of Northern CAN and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) North East Zone, Bishop Mohammed Naga, commended Barnabas Aid UK for its continued support to displaced families, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.

He assured that the relief materials would be distributed fairly and transparently to achieve their intended purpose, while praising beneficiaries for their calm and orderly conduct during the exercise.

In their separate remarks, representatives of the beneficiaries, including Mr. Andrawus Bzalava, Mr. John Dogo, and a widow and survivor of Boko Haram attacks, Mrs. Naomi Daniel, expressed appreciation to Barnabas Aid UK and Northern CAN for the support.

They described the intervention as a source of relief amid worsening economic hardship and insecurity, while praying for lasting peace in Borno State and across Nigeria.

NCA, Barnabas Aid UK Reach 1,000 Displaced Households in Borno with Relief Support