The Niger State Government has shut down the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Mokwa town following serious security concerns and reports of illegal activities within the facility.
The camp, which was originally set up by the Nigerian Red Cross Society as a temporary shelter for victims of the May 29 flash flood, was demolished after an expanded security meeting held at the Mokwa Local Government secretariat.
Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Council, Alhaji Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi, who led the operation, said the Red Cross constructed the camp without obtaining official approval from relevant authorities. He described the facility as a “danger in disguise,” alleging that it had become a hotspot for criminal and immoral activities.
According to Muregi, many of the occupants of the camp were discovered not to be genuine victims of the flood disaster. “There were strong complaints from locals that the camp was being misused. We discovered that the majority of the people staying there had no business being in the camp,” he said.
He further explained that the local government sent out official letters to all organisations operating in the camp, asking them to vacate the premises within 24 hours. Security agencies and the Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, were also informed of the decision.
The demolition exercise was supervised by the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, New Bussa Area Command, ACP Godwin Ihean, along with other security chiefs and traditional leaders in the area.
Backing the government’s decision, the Ndalile of Mokwa, Alhaji Muhammed Shaba, said the state had already compensated over 85 percent of the genuine flood victims. He noted that the few unresolved cases were due to issues with beneficiaries’ bank account details.
Local residents also expressed support for the government’s action. Many said the camp had become a security threat to the community, with strange people appearing at night. “During the day, you’ll hardly see anyone. But at night, the camp would be full. We feared it could be a hideout for bandits or criminals,” one resident said.
Another community member claimed that the camp was being used for immoral purposes by some of the occupants, further justifying the need for its closure.
Governor Umaru Bago had earlier in June ordered the closure of IDP camps across the state after compensating flood victims and making arrangements for their resettlement. The Mokwa camp was among the few still active until its demolition.
The May 29 flood disaster had displaced thousands and caused massive damage to homes, farmlands, and infrastructure in Mokwa and other parts of Niger State. In response, the government provided financial support and relocation plans for affected families.
With the closure of the camp, security agencies have been tasked with monitoring the area to prevent any further illegal use of the space.
