News
Open defecation: Bama IDP Camp Risks Diseases Outbreak

Open defecation: Bama IDP Camp Risks Diseases Outbreak
- UNICEF-provided WASH Items Vandalized
By: Zagazola Makama
The Bama Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, Borno State, faces the high risk of an outbreak of diseases as the IDPs now engage in rampant open defecation following the alleged vandalization of the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) items provided by UNICEF to avert such outbreaks there.
Sources at the camp have alleged that the vandalization was carried out by suspected officials of the camp, who have, allegedly, carted away the essential items to unknown locations for sale.
Zagazola Makama, understands that the items, which were essentially aimed at making life easy for the distressed women and children in the camp, were allegedly vandalized by the suspected officials not long after they were put in place in the camps.
According to reports, UNICEF had in fulfillment of its mandate to aid the IDPs provided the Bama community with overhead tanks and its accessories, including iron stand and water tankers.
The overheard tanks supply water for the displaced persons in the camps.
Sources, however, said that about 30 pieces of the water tankers and iron stands that were carted away from where they were installed have been recovered by some members of the community and taken to Bama Police Division.
Some suspects have, according to sources, also been apprehended in connection with the vandalization.
The suspects were discovered to have been those fingered some months ago for collaborating with some staff of the Borno Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency and Danish Refugee Council, to divert a full truck-load of soap valued at N7,000,000, but the matter was allegedly swept under the carpet.
Sources alleged that some individuals are trying to cover up the matter as the suspects were said to have been granted bail by the Police.
Latest information from dependable sourced have indicated that the stolen items were moved from the police station to an unknown destination as at February 2, 2024.
The effect of the theft and vandalization of the sanitary items have started taking its toll on the women and children in the camps as they are now resorting to open defecation on and around the camps with the resultant implication of possible disease outbreak.
Findings revealed that the toilets provided in the camp were not enough, others were not been evacuated and some poorly constructed.
In an effort to address the situation, UNICEF awarded contract for the evacuation of the filled toilets and establishment of new ones, but lack of supervisor and conspiracy amongst the contractors and those doing the work denied the end users the benefit of service access.
Sources said that the IDPs have resorted to digging holes within the periphery of the camps to defecate.
However, given the large number of persons in the camps, digging of holes were even no longer tenable, compelling many people to engage in open defecation within the camps.
This, according to health experts, is a recipe for disease outbreak in the camp, if adequate measures are not put in place to salvage the situation.
Open defecation: Bama IDP Camp Risks Diseases Outbreak
Crime
Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi

Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
A swift response by the Nigerian troops in Kebbi has foiled a bandit attack on Dabai Town, forcing the assailants to flee after a gun battle with security operatives.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred around 2 a.m. when suspected bandits attempted to invade the town.
“Security forces were immediately dispatched to intercept the assailants and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire,” the source said. “Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the bandits abandoned their mission and escaped.”
While no casualties were reported, security operatives have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.
Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi
News
Unidentified Woman Dies After Jumping Off Third Mainland Bridge

Unidentified Woman Dies After Jumping Off Third Mainland Bridge
By: Zagazola Makama
An unidentified woman has died after allegedly jumping off the Third Mainland Bridge into the University of Lagos (UNILAG) waterfront, an intelligence source has confirmed.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident happened around 3 p.m. on Thursday.
“We received information that a woman suddenly stopped on the bridge and jumped into the water. No identification documents were found on her,” the source said.
According to the source, the Marine Police Division in Akoka was alerted about an hour later, prompting a swift response from a team of marine police officers.
“She was pulled out of the water and rushed to the UNILAG shore, where medical personnel examined her. Unfortunately, she was confirmed dead,” the source added.
The woman’s remains have since been deposited at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) morgue in Yaba for preservation and autopsy.
Meanwhile, another Police sources said that the Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation to establish her identity and uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The investigation is ongoing, and we urge anyone with information about the deceased to come forward,” said Police sources.
Unidentified Woman Dies After Jumping Off Third Mainland Bridge
News
Kidnapped Catholic Priest Rescued in Edo

Kidnapped Catholic Priest Rescued in Edo
By: Zagazola Makama
The Edo State Police Command has rescued Rev. Father Philip Mario Ekweli, who was kidnapped on March 13 in Aghenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the he priest, who serves at St. Peter’s Apostle Catholic Church, Iviukhua Community, was rescued on Thursday at about 4:52 p.m. in Amughe Community.
Security agencies have intensified search and bush-combing operations to track down the kidnappers and ensure the safety of other residents.
Kidnapped Catholic Priest Rescued in Edo
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