The Zamfara State Government says more than 290,000 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, are currently living in camps and host communities across the state as insecurity continues to fuel humanitarian challenges.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Relief Matters, Salisu Musa, disclosed this during the 2026 World Humanitarian Day commemoration in Gusau on Wednesday, where the News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ministry also distributed hygiene kits to more than 200 IDPs and vulnerable women as part of activities marking the occasion.
The commemoration began with a walk organized to raise awareness about humanitarian challenges and recognize the efforts of humanitarian workers supporting affected communities.
Representatives of donor organizations, Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, and various government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, attended the event.
Musa, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajiya Ummulkhairi Usman, commended donor organizations for their continued support toward improving the lives of vulnerable people across the state.
He said World Humanitarian Day provides an opportunity to recognize the dedication, commitment and sacrifices of humanitarian workers around the world, while also drawing attention to communities affected by natural and man-made disasters.
Musa said humanitarian workers often risk their lives to reach vulnerable populations affected by crises, noting that some workers had been killed, injured or abducted while providing assistance.
He also acknowledged the resilience of communities affected by insecurity, particularly IDPs who have been forced to flee their homes because of banditry attacks.
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The commissioner said the humanitarian situation had continued to evolve across the state’s 14 Local Government Areas, increasing the need for sustained assistance to displaced persons and other vulnerable populations.
He disclosed that the state government was currently sheltering more than 290,000 IDPs in camps and host communities.
Musa recalled that in June 2026, the state government’s Emergency Committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, visited crisis-affected communities in Gummi and Maradun Local Government Areas.
During the visit, the committee provided N500,000 each to 20 families of deceased victims of the crisis. The committee also supported 40 hospitalized victims with N200,000 each and distributed more than 500 bags of assorted food items to IDPs in camps.
Musa further recalled that in October 2025, the committee supported 67 rescued kidnap victims who had returned to their communities in Tsafe Local Government Area with food items, clothing and N350,000 each.
He affirmed that the Zamfara Government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, remained committed to protecting migrants, IDPs and other vulnerable populations across the state.
“We will continue to uphold humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, and protection for all,” he said.
The commissioner also commended donor organizations for their contributions and collaboration in addressing the humanitarian crisis.
He assured stakeholders that the ministry would continue working with relevant government agencies, international organizations and community-based actors to expand humanitarian assistance and support vulnerable people across Zamfara.
NAN
