State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Yobe has debunked reports alleging rape of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camped in Damaturu on Saturday.
SEMA Permanent Secretary, Musa Jidawa, said in an interview: “The report is misleading, lacking substance and without any iota of truth,”
The explained that the agency has provided adequate security at the government-run camp in Pompomari to guard against such cases.
The 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 camp residents against all abuses, including rape, Jidawa Added.
Musa Jidawa noted that the media report claimed 30 rape cases were recorded “yet no local or international humanitarian agency in the state came across any”.
He further cautioned agencies and organisations operating outside the state against accepting unverified reports.
In his words: “It is very worrisome for any credible organisation to dish out sensitive information without corroborating or verification from organizations who are on ground,” Jidawa said
