Yobe SEMA refutes rape rumours in IDP camps

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) yesterday refuted media reports alleging rape of some of Internally Displaced Persons camped in Damaturu.

“The report is misleading, lacking substance and without any iota of truth,” Musa Jidawa, SEMA’s Permanent Secretary said in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.

According to him, the agency has provided adequate security at the government run camp in Pompomari to guard against such cases.

He added that community leaders in other camps located in Kukareta, Kasaisa, Mohammed Gombe farm and YBC Abare have developed a very effective security network to protect the inmates of all abuses including rape.

Jidawa, who is also the chairman, security and protection sector of humanitarian agencies in the state, noted that the media report had claimed that 30 rape cases were recorded, “yet no local or international humanitarian agency in the state came across any.”

The official cautioned agencies and organizations operating outside the state from accepting unverified reports, saying it was important to cross check with stakeholders operating on ground.

“It is very worrisome for any credible organisation to dish out sensitive information without corroboration or verification from organizations that are on ground” Jidawa said. (NAN)