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Katsina, UNDP To Return 270,000 IDPs To Ancestral Homes

Published

11 months ago

July 9, 2025

The Katsina State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has unveiled a policy and state action plan on Durable Solutions to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

The policy and action plan, which were unveiled Tuesday at a town hall meeting, targeted the return of 270,000 IDPs across the 34 local government areas of the state to their ancestral homes.

While the 45-page Katsina State IDP Policy centres on the protection, assistance and reintegration of IDPs in accordance with the national standard, the State Action Plan is expected to provide basic amenities to the displaced persons.

Presenting an overview of the State Action Plan, the Academic Lisson, Solid Project, Dr. Abubakar Imam, said Katsina has 270,000 displaced persons as a result of banditry and farmers/herders conflicts.

He said 36,288 households have been affected by the nefarious activities of the bandits, farmers-herders clashes, flood, desertification and communal conflicts across the 34 local government areas of the state.

Describing Batsari, Faskari, Kankara, Sabuwa and Danmusa as the hotspot local government areas in the state, Imam said most of the IDPs in the state were living without access to education, health, food security and proper shelters.

“The vision of the State Action Plan is to ensure a peaceful, resilient and inclusive Katsina State where all displaced persons can return, integrate or relocate safely with access to livelihoods, services and protection,” he said.

He explained that 2,389 housing units with gender-sensitive designs, 10 primary healthcare centres with solar-powered Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and 63 basic schools with inclusive facilities would be provided to the IDPs.

He reiterated that vocational training, farming inputs and grants would be provided to over 30,000 restored homes, adding that 60 per cent of the displaced children in the state would be enrolled in basic schools.

In his remarks, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda affirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that the policy and the action plan are validated and fully operational in the state.

Radda, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Faruk Lawal, explained that his administration would monitor the policy and provide adequate funds for the operationalisation and sustainability of the policy.

He said: “This policy is a direct response to the displacement crisis that has affected many communities across the state. Armed conflict, banditry, poverty and climate change have all contributed, displacing families from their homes, distracting livelihoods on the communities.

“We are committed to ensure that this policy is not just validated but fully operationalised, monitored and sustainably funded. Let’s work together to ensure that displacement doesn’t mean despair but becomes an opportunity for healing, rebuilding and restoring hope.”

On her part, the state focal person for the project, Maryam Musa, said the policy is the comprehensive framework developed to guide the state and stakeholders in responding effectively to challenges affecting the IDPs.

She said it aligned with both the national and international standards to ensure dignity, protection and sustainable reintegration of IDPs into the society.

She said that the primary aspects of the national policy are prevention of displacement, protection/assistance, durable solutions, accountability, coordination and inclusion, among others.
(ThisDay)

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.