268,000 IDPs in Southeast Nigeria: Deputy Speaker Calls for Collective Action

Nigeria's Southeast Region Grapples with Humanitarian Crisis, 268,000 IDPs Affected

“The Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis...”

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu highlights the humanitarian crisis in Southeast Nigeria, with over 268,000 IDPs in need of assistance.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has shed light on the severe humanitarian crisis plaguing the Southeast region. According to Kalu, there are over 268,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) scattered across 158 camps and impacted communities. This alarming figure was revealed during a Roundtable international Discussion with non-governmental organizations (INGOS) on November 25, in Abuja.

The event, titled “Through Their Eyes: A Call to Action, Addressing Humanitarian Challenges in the Southeast,” was organized by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in collaboration with the Peace in Southeast Project (PISE-P). Kalu's statement emphasizes the urgent need for action to address the humanitarian challenges facing the Southeast region.

A recent roundtable discussion aimed to tackle some of Nigeria's most pressing ecological issues by fostering partnerships, building resilience, and developing sustainable solutions. According to Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the states of Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Residents in these areas lack access to basic necessities like clean water, housing, healthcare, and education.

The situation is dire, marked by displacement, violence, and significant ecological challenges. Gully erosion and natural disasters have destroyed homes, leaving many without shelter. Kalu emphasized the need for collective efforts to provide immediate humanitarian aid and long-term development solutions. He urged international NGOs and government agencies to collaborate in addressing the ongoing crisis in the Southeast.

To effectively address the crisis, it's essential to understand the root causes and develop targeted solutions. Some of the key areas that require attention include:

Providing Humanitarian Aid: Immediate assistance is needed to support displaced persons and affected communities.

Addressing Ecological Challenges: Efforts should focus on mitigating the effects of gully erosion and other natural disasters.

Promoting Sustainable Development: Long-term solutions should prioritize sustainable development, including access to clean water, housing, healthcare, and education.

He said: “The Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, characterised by displacement, violence, and ecological challenges.

“Report presented today underscores the grim realities: over 268,000 internally displaced persons, IDPs, are spread across 158 camps and affected communities.

“Enugu, Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi bear the brunt of this crisis, with precarious living conditions leaving many without access to clean water, adequate shelter, healthcare, and education.

“Shelter, in particular, remains a pressing concern. Families who live in makeshift camps or overcrowded host communities are exposed to health risks, insecurity, and a loss of dignity.

“Natural disasters like gully erosion have destroyed homes, leaving little to return to. This crisis demands immediate intervention and sustainable strategies to restore stability and hope.”