By: Mayen Etim, Kaduna
As Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Easter, marking the end of 40 days of fasting and prayer, the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), in Kaduna State have called out to Nigerians for assistance during the festivities.
The IDPs, currently observing the Lenten season, expressed their desire to celebrate Easter despite the difficult conditions facing them.
Many of them were displaced from their homes in Chikun Local Government Area due to persistent attacks by bandits and kidnappers, and are now struggling for survival in their new communities.
Speaking to journalists at the Maraban Rido IDP camp, Camp Commander Comrade Sule Adams, shared that most of the displaced persons live in rented houses and cannot afford basic necessities. “Many of us can’t even eat three times a day,” he said.
He explained that while the IDPs are preparing for the Holy Week like other Christians, they lack food, drinks, and other essential items to mark the occasion. Comrade Adams appealed to Nigerians, NGOs, CSOs, and wealthy individuals to support them with food and other materials, so they can celebrate Easter with joy.
He emphasized the urgent needs of widows, orphans, youth, and other vulnerable individuals in the camp, adding that assistance in the form of humanitarian aid and educational materials would go a long way in improving their lives.
One of the displaced women, who preferred not to be named, called on the government to intensify efforts in tackling banditry so she and her children can return to their village and continue farming. “Life in the city is too expensive. We want to go back home,” she said.
Meanwhile, the District Head of Maraban Rido, Mallam Auta Alkali, also known as ‘Sarkin Kudansa”, praised the efforts of corporate organizations and civil society groups for supporting victims of banditry.
He also thanked the Kaduna State Government for its continued assistance to the IDPs.
