BY; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
The Borno State Government has received Situation Reports (SITREPs) from reliable sources regarding suspected cases of fire outbreaks in some IDP camps within the State.
This recent rise in frequency of infernos in IDP camps has been a matter of concern, and all hands are on deck to forestall any further occurrence of fire outbreaks in the State.
A statement issued and signed yesterday by Professor Mohammed Usman Tar, the Honourable Commissioner, Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security and made available to newsmen in Maiduguri, said that the state government has been investigating the occurrence of the infernos on a case-by-case basis, with a view to establishing the remote and extant causes, and developing a strategy to stem future occurrence.
On 29 March 2024, the Ministry of Information and Internal Security said it received a report in which a suspect admitted that he and his “co-conspirators” were “hired” by some NGOs (names withheld) to set IDP camps on fire.
This matter is under investigation and further necessary action shall only be taken on the basis of the outcome of the investigation.
Those arrested are in detention, undergoing intensive interrogation, while the NGOs who were pinpointed in the alleged violent practice have been summoned for preliminary interrogation.
The statement added that government has assured members of the public that this matter will receive appropriate and expedited attention, and any culprit will be dealt with according to the law.
Meanwhile, members of the public are urged to be calm, peaceful and law-abiding and report any breach of security to the nearest law enforcement agency or traditional rulers for transmission to the relevant authority.
