BY ABDULKADIR M. LAWAN,
Borno State is facing a crippling hunger crisis, with thousands of families struggling to access basic necessities like food and healthcare.
The situation is dire, with many families forced to prioritize putting food on the table over providing healthcare for their loved ones.
I stumbled upon a heart-wrenching tale of struggle and resilience during a recent visit to Simari, Jere Local Government Area, where I witnessed the distribution of support items to flood victims. It was there that I met Fanne, a 12-year-old internally displaced person (IDP), who has been living in darkness since she was three months old. Her condition, left untreated due to lack of access to medical care, has resulted in her blindness.
Fanne's sister, Hauwa, was among the beneficiaries of the support items, but despite this assistance, the family's struggles are far from over.
'The situation is dire. Many families can't afford basic necessities, let alone medical care or education. We're seeing children forced to drop out of school, girls married off early, and families living in squalid conditions,' Aisha Umar, a resident said.
Fanne's family, like many others, fled Marte Local Government Area after Boko Haram insurgents attacked, leaving them without a means of livelihood.
Her father, Saleh Makaila, a former farmer and cattle owner, now struggles to survive as a gardener, earning a meager N20,000 ($12) monthly stipend.
'Before the issue got worse, we came to Maiduguri Eye Hospital with her, the doctors examined her and gave us medicine and asked us to return after two weeks. Few days upon reaching Marte, Boko Haram launched an attack which forced us to flee our homes for safety to Maiduguri, from there we lost our means of livelihood which made the condition worse, that we could not afford the hospital anymore,' Fanne's mother emotionally said.
Fanne's 16-year-old sister, Hauwa, is also struggling with her own health issues. Hauwa battles with eye problems and risks losing her sight if left untreated.
However, due to the family's dire economic situation, Hauwa's education has been sacrificed for household chores and Islamic studies.
The hunger crisis in Borno State is exacerbated by the ongoing insurgency, which has disrupted agricultural activities and led to food shortages. Furthermore, the recent September flood has destroyed many farmlands, mostly belonging to vulnerable persons, and displaced many, leading to the loss of their means of livelihood, especially small business owners.
The flood, which occurred in September, has had a devastating impact on the state's agricultural sector, leaving many farmers without a source of income. The destruction of farmlands and the displacement of people have only added to the existing hunger and poverty crises in the state.
'Fanne's story is a stark reminder of our collective responsibility to protect vulnerable children. We must act now to prevent further suffering and ensure these children have a chance at a brighter future,' Aisha added.
As Fanne's family struggles to survive in Simari, Jere Local Government Area, their story serves as a desperate cry for help.
We urge individuals, organizations, and governments to come together and provide urgent assistance to Fanne, Hauwa, and countless other families going through unimaginable pain and hardship.