48 Female Taraba IDPs Pregnant, Malaria Hits 1,000

Over 1,000 Internally Displaced Persons are battling malaria fever in their Taraba camp due to poor condition of the Nukkai Primary School turned camp, the camp leader, Mr Danlami Kwambo, has said.

He also said no fewer than 48 women in the camp were pregnant and four others already delivered of babies in last three days.

The camp coordinator, who explained that 3,149 IDPs were taking refuge in the camp, said the major challenge facing the inhabitants was health issues due to lack of potable water, food and bedding.

The coordinator said people from 11 villages comprising Murbai, Kershaba, Yerwai Abare, Jokumbo I and II, Banibu, Jen Betel, Jaagbegh, Koko Uban, Wururoo, Yukani and Koudat were taking refuge in the camp.

Some of the IDPs who spoke to our correspondent including Jirimang Nobiri and Elizabeth Awoshiri appealed to the government and individuals to come to their aide.

Nobiri said, “We need help; our farms, property and homes have been destroyed. We need the government to come to our aid.

“Some of us have newborn babies; they are being exposed to mosquitoes. One of us has to stay awake to keep watch over the children.”

When contacted, the Permanent Secretary, Taraba State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Nulvagae Danhabu, said the government was aware of the plight of the IDPs and efforts were being made to reach out to them.