BY: FAIZA JIBRIN, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 | 11:21PM

Some of the people displaced by the devastating flood in Maiduguri are facing a new challenge: accessing emergency camps established by the Borno State Government.

The flood, which occurred on Tuesday, destroyed property, claimed lives, and left mostly women and children without shelter.

Our reporter visited the Bakassi Camp, which houses over 14,000 people, and found that many victims are being denied entry due to a lack of official identification cards.

The government introduced the card system to verify genuine victims and prevent impostors from accessing aid.

However, this has resulted in some genuine victims being left out.

'Many victims were seen outside the camp struggling to enter, but they don't have the official card.

'The method is good, but there are victims who really need emergency support outside the camp because they don't have the card,' our reporter said.

Fatima Abubakar, a pregnant woman with four children, is one of the victims struggling to access the Bakassi Camp.

She recounted how she and her children initially fled to a relative's home, only to be chased away by rising waters once again.

Now, Fatima faces new uncertainty, as she has yet to receive the necessary identification card required for entry into the camp.

'I don't know where to go, and I don't have the identification card,' she said, her voice filled with exhaustion.

Even for those who manage to enter the camp, another hurdle remains.

According to another woman, 'even if you get entry into the camp, you will not be supported with anything unless you have the official identification card.'

This means that victims like Fatima, who are yet to receive the card, are left without access to vital aid.

Effort to reach the people who are giving the identification card for comments was not successful as at the time of filing this report.

Lake Chad Times Newspaper, formerly TwentyOne is urging the government to find a solution for those victims outside the camp, who are in dire need of assistance.

BY ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, AUGUST 26, 2024 | 10:8PM

Although I never had the privilege of meeting the late Ahmed Ali Ahmed, his sudden passing on Monday morning left me in shock and filled with grief.

Just two weeks ago, I had sent a letter to his office inviting him to attend the public launch of our new media outlet, scheduled for August 31st. Unfortunately, the person who delivered the letter was unable to meet him in person and left it with his secretary.

Yesterday, my colleague asked if the commissioner had received the letter, and I expressed my doubts.

I had planned to confirm with one of his associates today, but fate had other plans.

In a poignant twist, just minutes before hearing the news of his demise, I spoke with Dr. Usman Busuguma, a close associate of the commissioner, to confirm whether he had received the letter. Dr. Busuguma assured me that even if he hadn't received it, he would persuade him to attend the launch.

Few minutes after our conversation, I was shocked to see the news of the commissioner's demise on my screen. The news hit me hard, and I couldn't believe that the person we were just discussing was no more.

As I reflected on our brief interaction, I was struck by the outpouring of tributes from those who knew him. Everyone I spoke to described him as "shi mutumin kirki ne" - a kind and good person.

May Allah forgive and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, Ameen. My condolences to his family, the Borno State Government, and the people of the state.

May his legacy live on through the countless lives he touched.

Abdulkadir M Lawan, Editor-in-Chief of Lake Chad Times Newspaper.

Note: Lake Chad Times, formerly TwentyOne, the site is on the process of migration.