Gunning after IDP rice

We are shocked and saddened by the sorry stories making the rounds that some unscrupulous government officials are now going after the food items which are meant to feed the victims and escapees of Boko Haram attacks who have been sheltered inside and outside the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the North East, especially Borno State.
Earlier last week, reports had it that some officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were caught re-bagging the rice procured by government, charitable Nigerians and foreign donors for the feeding of the IDPs. When the story broke, the Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, ordered an investigation with a view to dealing with those behind those dastardly acts.
On Thursday, June 23,
there were media reports that a “shootout” took place in the Borno State Government House between policemen stationed to guard the rice meant for the displaced persons and some soldiers. The reports had it that the soldiers attempted to hijack the distribution of the rice, which met with stiff resistance from the policemen on duty, and thus sparked the shootout that injured a policeman.
We commend the Borno State Government for the prompt steps it took to nip both acts of brigandage in the bud. The Army also acted with dispatch and ensured that the few rogue soldiers who instigated the violence were apprehended for disciplinary action.
It is saddening that food meant for the care of people displaced from their communities is now being targeted by criminal-minded government officials and a few misguided soldiers who see it as another government bonanza to grab by hook or crook.
Unfortunately, the noble intention to include refugees who live outside the IDP camps in the distribution of the food items was misconstrued as an opportunity for-a free for-all attitude to the relief materials.
We urge the state government and the military authorities to make an example of those found culpable in these crimes to serve as an example to others with the same intention that such inhuman behaviour cannot be tolerated.
There have been many reports of severe malnutrition among the IDPs (especially those living inside the Camps) consequent upon poor quality of food. With millions of mouths to feed at least twice a day, the Borno State Government is bearing a burden that only requires collective efforts to assist the victims to survive.
Those of us who are more fortunate should extend our hands of charity and love to those in need as no one knows when it might be his or her turn to need the help of other kind-hearted people.
We hope and pray for the speedy end of the Boko Haram war so that IDPs can go back to their communities and resume their livelihood – with human dignity.