Northern CAN Unveils Hygiene Facilities for Christian IDPs in Borno, Seeks More Support

The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, has commissioned new water and sanitation facilities at the Christian Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Wulari Jerusalem, Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of efforts to improve living conditions for victims of insurgency.

The newly inaugurated facilities include a soakaway septic system, toilets, and improved water supply infrastructure. The project was funded by Barnabas Aid UK and is intended to address pressing hygiene and sanitation challenges faced by displaced Christians who have lived in the camp for over a decade following attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.  

Speaking during the commissioning, Hayab said the intervention would help protect vulnerable residents from disease while restoring dignity to families forced from their homes by years of violence.

“We are here once again to commission some hygiene projects and water systems constructed by Barnabas Aid UK,” he said, adding that similar facilities are being planned for another Christian IDP camp in Shuwari, Maiduguri.

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Despite the intervention, the Northern CAN chairman lamented that many displaced persons have remained in temporary camps for more than 10 years, describing the situation as unacceptable.

“IDP camps are meant to be temporary shelters, not permanent homes,” he said, urging governments at all levels, churches, humanitarian organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to partner in improving the welfare of displaced families.  

Also speaking, Northern CAN General Secretary, Bishop Mohammed Naga, appealed to security agencies to intensify operations against insurgents still occupying parts of eastern Gwoza Local Government Area, noting that many displaced Christians are unable to return to their ancestral communities because the area remains unsafe.

He further urged authorities to either restore security in the affected communities or provide suitable alternatives for displaced families awaiting resettlement.  

The Wulari Jerusalem camp is home to many Christians displaced from Gwoza and surrounding communities during years of Boko Haram attacks. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly highlighted the need for improved water, sanitation, healthcare, and long-term resettlement support for IDPs across Borno State.  

The commissioning ceremony was attended by leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Borno State, including Vice Chairman Rev. Manasseh Bala and Secretary Apostle Joshua Michael, alongside other church representatives.