World Food Programme suspends food distribution to Borno IDPs camp

The World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday said it had suspended food distribution at Gubio Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Maiduguri, following violent attack on humanitarian workers by the displaced persons.

Mr Adedeji Ademigbuji, the WFP’s Communication officer, disclosed this in a Short Service Messages (SMS) sent to newsmen Maiduguri.

Ademigbuji said the suspension was as a result of deteriorating security situation at the camp.

“Unidentified men attacked staff of the International Medical Corps (IMC), at Gubio IDP camp in Maiduguri. IMC is a client to WFP.
“IMC staff were at the camp for routine food distribution exercise. A staff of IMC and two IDPs were wounded while five vehicles were vandalised in the attack.
“The IDPs were said to be protesting against distribution of sorghum and demanded that rice should be provided to them.

“All activities in the camp have been suspended until safety of humanitarian workers is guaranteed,” he said.

According to the communication officer, the security forces have arrested six suspects in connection with the attack.

Alhaji Satomi Ahmad, the Chairman,  State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed the incident.

Satomi, who described the incident as ‘unfortunate’, said that the suspension was a temporary measure, to enable the agency to come up with effective security arrangements.

He said that the agency had met with relevant stakeholders to fashion out ways to guard against the re-occurrence of the incident.

“We are working to ensure that the suspension end within the next 48 hours. Other organisations have continued with humanitarian services in the affected camp”.

NAN