Minister debunks report on women abused in IDPs camps

Minister for Women Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Jummai Alhassan, on Monday, debunked allegation that women and girls were abused said to be going on at Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the North East.

Alhassan who spoke to newsmen after a meeting with women at the Fufore camp in  Adamawa State, said  findings from her visits to camps in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states revealed that the allegation by an international organization was mere exaggeration.

Her words, “I am happy to tell you that the allegation is not true. I have visited Dalori camp in Borno, Pompomari camp in Yobe and now Fufore camp in Adamawa.

“From the little I learnt in my meetings with the women, there was no truth in the allegation, ” Alhassan said.

The minister who  was on a fact finding mission said that she was directed by President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the allegation and would be visiting another camp in  Mutum-Biyu in Taraba state before proceeding to Abuja to compile a comprehensive report on her finding.

The  while in Adamawa paid a courtesy call on Gov. Muhammadu Bindow at Government House where she appealed for his intervention in recovering the Yola Women Development Centre given to Federal Court of Appeal by past administration.

She said the centre was build from donations by the women to serve as training centre but was given to the court of appeal depriving the women of one of their valuable asset in the state.

“We want you to help us recover the centre from the court of appeal.”

She appraised the developmental projects embarks by the state Governor, Senator Mohammadu Jibrilla Bindow.

Adding that the state has totally change and wearing a beautiful look.

“I know you will not disappoint your former and present colleagues at the red chambers, keep doing the good work my brother.” She said

In his response, Gov. Bindow promised to look into the matter and assured the minister of his administration commitment to work with in empowering women.

The minister also held meeting with women groups in the state on Federal Government interest free loan packages to enable them boost their businesses.