The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI, has advised Nigerian against visitations and outreach programs to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps in order to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The NCFRMI’s Federal Commissioner, Sen. Basheer Mohammed, gave the warning during the flag off of the Covid-19 advocacy and presentation of hygiene kits to refugees in Calabar, Cross Rivers State.
According to a statement by the Commission’s Head of Media and Communication, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Federal Commissioner’s message was delivered by the South-South Zonal head of the NCFRMI, Innocent Efoghe.
“In light of the global devastation caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission hereby strongly advises against unauthorized visitations by members of the general public or groups.
“Any further interactions with IDPs and refugees should be done through the appropriate authorities, this has become absolutely necessary to stem the spread of the virus.
Mr Mohammed disclosed that the Commission would continue to monitor the development through the appropriate government channels of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development, the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Center for Disease Control NCDC.
“Our persons of concerns must increase their personal hygiene practices, they must ensure they wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water and practice social distancing as much as their space can permit.
“They should also report to the nearest medical personnel or members of the Red Cross immediately they notice any drastic change in their health status,” Mr Mohammed said.
The statement also disclosed that the commission had also produced manuals to educate the IDPs on adequate hygienic practices to guard against being infected by the virus.
