Zamfara Government Records 290,000 IDPs Amid Escalating Security, Humanitarian Crisis

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Relief Matters, Salisu Musa, disclosed this at the 2026 World Humanitarian Day commemoration in Gusau on Wednesday.

During the event, the ministry donated hygiene kits to over 200 IDPs and vulnerable women as part of activities to commemorate the day.

The commemoration earlier began with a walk to mark the 2026 World Humanitarian Day.

The event was attended by representatives of donor organisations, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and government Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).

Musa, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajiya Ummulkhairi Usman, commended donor organisations for their support toward improving the lives of vulnerable persons.

According to him, World Humanitarian Day is dedicated worldwide to appreciating the dedication, commitment, and sacrifices made by humanitarian actors across the globe, and also to sympathise with populations and communities affected by natural and man-made crises and disasters.

“On this day, we sympathise with the resilience of the affected population. We also recognise the courage and patience of communities affected by disasters, especially IDPs who flee their homes and communities as a result of banditry attacks.

“Humanitarian workers risk their lives to access vulnerable groups and communities affected by crises and disasters.

“Many humanitarian workers have lost their lives in the process of providing humanitarian assistance. Some got injured and some were kidnapped,” he said.

The commissioner noted that due to the evolving humanitarian crises experienced across the 14 Local Government Areas of the state, “the ministry is currently sheltering over 290,000 IDPs in camps and host communities across the state.”

He recalled that in June 2026, the state government’s Emergency Committee, under the chairmanship of the Deputy Governor, visited crisis-affected communities in Gummi and Maradun local government areas and supported 20 families of deceased victims with ₦500,000 each.

“The committee also supported 40 hospitalised victims with ₦200,000 each and supported IDPs in camp locations with over 500 bags of assorted food items.

“In October last year, the committee also supported 67 rescued kidnap victims who were returned to their communities in Tsafe LGA with food items, clothes, and ₦350,000 each,” he added.

Musa affirmed that the Zamfara government, under the administration of Gov. Dauda Lawal, was committed to the protection of migrants and vulnerable populations in the state.

“We will continue to uphold humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, and protection for all,” he assured.

The commissioner commended donor organisations for their support and collaboration toward addressing the humanitarian crisis in the state.

He assured stakeholders that the ministry would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies, international organisations, and community-based actors to promote humanitarian support for vulnerable persons in the state. (NAN)