Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across various camps in Nigeria have taken to the streets in protest, decrying severe hunger and neglect despite the reported N1 billion humanitarian support recently announced by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The protests, which erupted in parts of Abuja and other locations where IDP camps are situated, saw displaced persons — including women and children — carrying placards with inscriptions such as “We are starving,” “Where is Remi Tinubu’s N1 billion?” and “Hunger is killing us.”
The demonstrators accused government officials and camp coordinators of diverting food supplies and relief materials meant for them. Some said they had not received any tangible support since the First Lady’s widely publicized announcement.
“We heard Mama Remi Tinubu gave N1 billion to support us. Where is the food? Where is the medicine?” asked Aisha Yusuf, a mother of four at the Durumi IDP camp in Abuja. “Our children are hungry. We sleep with empty stomachs.”
In June, Senator Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, had pledged N1 billion to support displaced persons across the country as part of her humanitarian outreach. The fund was meant to provide food, medical aid, clothing, and other necessities to IDPs who have fled their homes due to insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts.
However, nearly two months later, many IDPs say their living conditions remain dire. Some protesters claimed that food donations occasionally reach camps but are not equitably distributed.
Reacting to the development, a spokesperson for the Renewed Hope Initiative, Mr. Peter Ayoola, said the funds were disbursed through officially recognized humanitarian channels and that investigations would be launched into the allegations of diversion.
“The First Lady’s commitment to the welfare of IDPs is unwavering. We are aware of the reports and are taking steps to ensure every kobo reaches its intended beneficiaries,” he said.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations and rights activists have called for an independent audit of how the funds were utilized and have urged the federal government to ensure transparency and accountability in relief distribution.
As the protests continue, many of the displaced remain hopeful that their cries will be heard and that much-needed relief will finally reach them.
