By Stephen Ojo
Minna

The Mokwa Local Government Council has demolished the temporary Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Mokwa, citing security threats.

The camp, constructed by the Red Cross Society after the May flood disaster, had served as a shelter for victims. However, local authorities said it was being misused for illicit activities, raising concerns about community safety.

Chairman of Mokwa Local Government, Alhaji Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi, explained that the decision followed an expanded security meeting. According to him, “the camp has posed an imminent danger to the town, a danger in disguise. The council had to act to safeguard lives and livelihoods.”

He added that complaints from locals revealed that many camp occupants were not genuine flood victims. The council had earlier issued eviction notices and informed relevant organisations, security agencies, and the Niger State Government before the demolition.

The exercise was supervised by the Area Commander of Niger State Police Command, New Bussa, ACP Godwin Ihean, alongside other security chiefs.

Residents like Malam Musa Sheshi welcomed the move, alleging that the camp had become a hideout for suspicious individuals. “In the afternoon the camp looks empty, but at night, strange people troop in,” he said.