Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Rann residents who fled to neighbouring Camerounian community, in the aftermath of Boko Haram attacks are in dire need of food and water, international medical volunteer group, Medecins San Frantierer(MSF) has said.
MSF, in a statement, yesterday said the 35, 000 Rann residents in Kala Balge Local Government Area, fled to Goura, in Cameroun, following attacks on their town, by Boko Haram, mid-January.
“The refugees have been staying in a large, informal camp in Goura since late January. Most are sleeping in the open, even though it is sandstorm season and temperature drops sharply,” MSF Field Communication officer, Abdulkareem Yakubu said in the statement.
The group also said access to safe drinking water has been a major problem in the camp; even as the refugees have been living without food supply.
“MSF has progressively increased its provision of drinking water, along with that of other providers to 240,000 litres per day. This is equivalent to seven litres per person, per day, which is still far below the 15-litre minimum standard for emergencies.
“This is not the first time that people from Rann have had to flee to Cameroon,” MSF Deputy Programme Manager for Emergencies, Dr Silas Adamou Moussa said in his statement.
He said some of the residents returned home after previous attacks, but not this time.
“They don’t want to go back to Rann unless they know they can live safely, yet, their future here is also uncertain. They are afraid. Their children are afraid,” Mousa added.
MSF said although it has set up clinic at the unofficial camp, to treat diseases and some health issues affecting the refugees, it appealed for support from other stakeholders and groups.