The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has delivered relief materials to victims of insecurity taking refuge at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of the state.

The intervention materials, which included Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) items and other relief supplies, were handed over to the camp management for distribution to displaced residents currently sheltering at the facility.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Afolabi Temple, in Ilorin.

Officials of RUWASSA formally presented the materials to the Camp Commandant, Captain Umar Adamu.

Speaking during the visit, the General Manager of RUWASSA, Olorunfemi Oladipo, represented by the Head of Department, Sanitation and Hygiene, Abdulazeez Rufai, commended the Kwara State Government and UNICEF for supporting vulnerable residents affected by insecurity.

According to him, the intervention reflects the strong partnership between the state government and UNICEF in addressing the humanitarian needs of displaced persons across affected communities.

“We sincerely appreciate the Kwara State Government and UNICEF for their swift intervention and commitment to the welfare of displaced persons in Yikpata camp,” he said.

“This support will go a long way in improving hygiene conditions, promoting healthy living and bringing relief to families currently facing difficult circumstances.”

Oladipo assured displaced residents that the government and its partners remained committed to their wellbeing and would continue to provide support while efforts to restore normalcy to affected communities continued.

He added that RUWASSA would intensify hygiene awareness and sanitation interventions within the camp to prevent disease outbreaks and maintain a healthy environment.

“Proper hygiene practices and access to sanitation facilities remain critical in humanitarian situations,” he stated.

Receiving the materials on behalf of the camp, Camp Commandant Captain Umar Adamu appreciated the Kwara State Government and UNICEF for the intervention.

He assured that the items would be distributed fairly and transparently to all beneficiaries within the camp.

Also speaking, a representative of the displaced persons, Bello Abubakar, popularly known as the camp teacher, expressed gratitude to the state government and UNICEF for supporting displaced families.

According to him, the intervention has restored hope to many residents, especially women and children facing the challenges of displacement.

“This support has brought encouragement to many families in the camp who are going through difficult times,” he said.

The intervention forms part of ongoing humanitarian efforts by the Kwara State Government in partnership with UNICEF and other development partners to improve the living conditions of internally displaced persons across affected communities in the state.

The camp currently accommodates over 1,000 displaced persons, including about 800 children, 500 women and 165 men.