NHRC Raises Alarm Over Plight of Displaced Women, Children in Gombe Camp

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged government agencies, humanitarian partners, and community leaders to take urgent steps to safeguard displaced women and children in a camp in Gombe State from exploitation and abuse.

The appeal was made by the Gombe State Coordinator of the commission, Dr Joseph Wanshe, during a media interaction in Gombe on Thursday.

Thousands Seek Refuge After Bauchi Attacks
The call follows recent bandit attacks on communities including Gwana, Digare, Mansur, and Yalo in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, which forced more than 7,000 residents to flee their homes. The displaced individuals are currently taking shelter in Kashere, a town in neighbouring Gombe State.

According to Wanshe, children make up a significant portion of the displaced population, accounting for nearly 4,000 individuals, or over half of those affected.

He emphasised that the situation calls for coordinated efforts to guarantee the safety, protection, and overall well-being of minors in the camp.

Rising Concerns Over Abuse, Trafficking
Wanshe warned that children in the camp face heightened risks, including trafficking, sexual exploitation, denial of education, and other forms of abuse.

He also noted that women and children are exposed to multiple hardships, such as poor sanitation, inadequate healthcare, and insufficient nutrition, all of which could worsen their vulnerability.

“Findings from our visit show that many of the displaced persons, especially children, are at serious risk of abuse, malnutrition, and disease due to the living conditions,” he explained.

Need for Improved Facilities and Welfare Support
The NHRC official stressed the importance of improving basic facilities within the camp, particularly sanitation infrastructure, to reduce the spread of diseases.

He further pointed out that there are designated spaces that ensure privacy and safety for women, especially in areas related to bathing and sleeping.

According to him, addressing these gaps would significantly reduce the exposure of displaced individuals to abuse and health risks.

Call for Vigilance and Reporting
Wanshe disclosed that the commission is actively engaging relevant stakeholders and monitoring activities within the camp to protect the rights of displaced persons.

He encouraged both camp residents and members of the host community to promptly report any cases of abuse or rights violations, stressing that such vigilance is key to curbing exploitation.

Support from Government and Partners
While acknowledging the challenges, Wanshe commended the governments of Gombe and Bauchi states for their timely interventions in supporting the displaced population.

He also appreciated the contributions of UNICEF, noting that its interventions in health, education, and hygiene have played a vital role in improving conditions for children in the camp.

The NHRC reiterated that sustained collaboration among all stakeholders remains essential to ensuring the dignity, safety, and future of displaced women and children.

UNICEF, Federal Information Ministry Train Journalists on Ethical Reporting of Children’s Issues

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, has organised a training workshop to strengthen ethical reporting on issues affecting children.

The two-day workshop, which began on Monday in Gombe, brought together journalists from the North-Central and North-East regions. The programme aims to promote responsible and child-sensitive journalism.

Declaring the workshop open, the Assistant Director of the Child Rights Bureau at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr Toye Falayi, said the training seeks to improve child protection through responsible media reporting.

Falayi urged participants to actively engage during the sessions so the programme can achieve its objectives.

He also commended UNICEF for partnering with the ministry to promote journalism that protects the rights and welfare of children.

Speaking on “Privacy, Dignity and Protection of Identity”, one of the facilitators, Dr Geoffrey Njoku, advised journalists to avoid sensational reporting when covering stories involving children.

He stressed that reporters must always prioritise the safety and well-being of children in order to prevent situations that could expose them to trauma or harm.

Another facilitator, Dr. Jide Johnson, who presented a paper titled “Media as Protector or Violator,” reminded journalists that the media plays a critical role in safeguarding children through responsible reporting.

Johnson urged journalists to exercise caution when interviewing or reporting about children to ensure their dignity and reputation are protected.

Also speaking, veteran broadcaster Mr Nansel Nimyel highlighted the responsibilities of both print and broadcast media when covering child-related issues.

He warned journalists against revealing the identities or locations of children in their reports, noting that such actions could expose them to danger or social stigma.

Nimyel further urged media practitioners to maintain professionalism and ethical standards, stressing that careless reporting can have lasting negative consequences for children.