Criminals conspire with NGOs to raze IDP camps – Borno govt

The Borno State government said it has arrested suspects allegedly involved in the recent fire outbreaks in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state.

These infernos had devastated camps in Maiduguri, Jere, Monguno, and Nganzai LGAs, resulting in losses of lives and property.

Professor Usman Tar, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, disclosed in a statement that the prime suspect confessed to conspiring with certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to set the affected camps on fire.

He said the NGOs implicated in this alleged conspiracy have been summoned for questioning.

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He reiterated that the state government has been conducting thorough investigations into each fire incident to identify the underlying causes and develop preventive measures.

“The Ministry of Information and Internal Security received a report in which a suspect admitted that he and his ‘co-conspirators’ were ‘hired’ by some NGOs (names withheld) to set IDP camps on fire. This matter is under investigation, and further necessary action shall only be taken based on the outcome of the investigation,” Tar said.

He assured the public that the matter was being handled with urgency and that any individual found guilty would face legal consequences.

The commissioner emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of IDPs and stated that appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.