The Coordinator of Internally Displaced Persons Camp (IDP), run by the International Christian Centre (ICC) Pst Solomon Folorusho, has denied maltreating the displaced persons of the centre.
The centre was among those accused of maltreatment of displaced persons which includes victims of Boko Haram in the North East of Nigeria.
This arises from the recent uncovering of the illegal activities at several religious centres on human rights abuses in the north.
NAN reports that Folorusho debunked the insinuation, appealing to those attempting to instigate the government against the centre to desist.
He said the centre is in partnership with the government and various security agencies.
The coordinator said that the hosting of the IDP was never their idea but an attempt to assist those in need.
“But when the crises happened in the North East, some friends who lived there and were affected reached out to the centre and appealed that they wanted to come over as they would be safe here.
“We wanted to be our brother’s keeper, we didn’t want to fold our arms, because Nigeria is one, so we felt we should render support to those who were in need and support the government efforts in trying to quench the trouble that is going on there.”
Folorunsho disclosed that there are 3,000 displaced persons in the centre, adding that they are supported through the help from individuals, cooperate organisations and government.
He said the displaced persons presently attend educational facilities in the tuition-free host community.
The Centre Is a Home To Me – One of The Inmates
A nurse at the centre, Mrs Eunice Uzama, according to NAN’s reports said there is a 24-hour restriction between male and female inmates.
She also argued that there has never been any case of sexual harassment or pregnancy reported at the centre.
Like some of the inmates, Mrs Uzama disclosed that discipline was a norm in the centre.
“To me, I feel the restrictions and discipline are too much. Everywhere and everything here is demarcated; male one side and female one side,” she said.
One of the displaced persons from Borno and an SS 1 student, Sunday Bitrus said the centre is his home.
He said that the centre has taught him discipline, adding that it is possible that strangers could form part of your family members when all hope is lost.
Bitrus said if, given the opportunity, he would love to remain at the centre after his education, as there was no reason and nothing to return to his home to.
Similarly, Watita Joseph and Helen Samson who have lived at the centre for four years and completed their secondary education said they would remain until they finish their education.
However, Joseph said he will only return to his home state, Borno State if he secures a job.
NO ONE HAS EVER FILED A COMPLAINT – POLICE
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor told NAN that the command has never received any complaints about the management of the IDP.
Answering questions on Friday, Nwabuzor there were no complaints on the activities of the management of the centre from individuals or group.
