By Ahmad Alabira, Dutse
No fewer than 25 babies were delivered recently by flood victims in Karnaya’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)’s camp, in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa state.
Karnaya, 23 km away from Dutse, the state capital, residents said, over 500 structures, mostly mud houses were submerged recently by flood.
One of the leaders of the displaced people, Falalu Ado, told reporters on Thursday that they were allegedly abandoned by the state government, since the time they were forced out of their homes by the flood.
“25 women had given birth in this camp, within two weeks of our relocation without the presence of a skilled birth attendant, to give a helping hand to the women.
“Life is difficult here, assistance is not forthcoming, and we are living at the mercy of God. We need food and medical attention because there is also reported case of cholera in the camp.
“Women are delivering babies in the camp without serious care” he added.
Meanwhile, the executive secretary, Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development Board (SPHCDB), Dr Kabiru Ibrahim said the women who delivered in the camp did so on their own wish.
He said “there are at least three vehicles meant for Emergency Transport Scheme, and is free for all patients in Karnaya community”.
According to Ibrahim vehicles are available in the area, saying the women have no reason to deliver at the camp. “They are close to nearby health facilities in Dutse, Shuwarin and other places which are just 15 minutes drive”.
