The National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA) has delivered 540 metric tonnes of assorted relief items approved by the Federal Government to Nigerian refugees in the Republic of Niger who are taking shelter in different locations in the Diffa region as a result of Boko Haram insurgency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States.
The items which include food and non food items are meant to provide succor to Nigerian Refugees were handed over to the Governor of Diffa Region for onward distribution to beneficiaries.
The Director General of NEMA Muhammad Sani-Sidi who was in accompany with Nigerian Ambassador to Republic Niger, Alhaji Aliyu Sokoto, Director General National Orientation Agency, Mike Omeri, Secretary General Nigerian Red Cross, Bello Dharam, handed over the items to Diffa Governor, Yakouba Saumana Gao.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Republic of Niger, Alhaji Aliyu Sokoto said as a result of unprecedented activities of Boko Haram in the North Eastern Nigeria, many Nigerian citizens from Borno and Yobe states especially those living close to the Nigeria- Niger boarder have crossed into Diffa region of Republic of Niger to seek for safety and protection.
In his remarks, Sani-Sidi commended the government of the Republic of Niger on behalf of the Federal Government for hosting and providing protection to the refugees. He also commended the United Nation agencies and International NGOs for their efforts in providing shelter, feeding and other facilities at the camps.
He added that similar relief items would be provided to Nigerian Refugees in Republic of Chad and Cameroun.
The Governor of Diffa, Yakouba Saumana Gao who received the items said the Government of Republic of Niger through Diffa region has been working with UN agencies and International NGOs in providing shelter, feeding and facilities at the camps. He said the government of the Diffa region will work with traditional rulers and representatives of refugees in all the camps to ensure that the delivered items reached to the victims. He said the President of Niger Republic has directed the government of Diffa region to allow all Nigerian Refugees to stay wherever they want as long as they would be law abiding till they return back to their country.
The Representative of one of the camps in Gagamari, Bura Goni expressed appreciation for the kind hospitality of the community that host them and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the relief assistance and they wish to go back home as soon as possible. Some of the camps are located in Bosso, Gyasare, Garin Dogo, Geskeru, Diffa, Sayam, Gudumari, Gamarin, Maine, Shatamari, Yuskou and Gagamari.