Amid a worsening hunger crisis in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across Niger State, disturbing accounts of sexual exploitation have emerged, with female IDPs alleging that camp officials demand sex in exchange for food aid.
One victim, Gambo* (not real name), displaced at just 18 years old after a bandits’ attack on her Shiroro LGA community, recounted how an IDP camp official allegedly impregnated her in Kuta camp after exploiting her family’s desperation for food.
Now 22, she said: “It was hunger and hardship that pushed me into it. I didn’t even realise what had happened.”
Her ordeal led to public stigma, forced abortion, and the collapse of her engagement. Despite the accused official’s denial, the Niger State government confirmed to The ICIR that the case is under investigation.
Other IDPs echoed similar stories, describing a climate where access to food is conditioned on sexual favors. Mercy*, 21, from Gunu camp, said her name was struck off the food list after she refused an official’s advances. Kande*, 23, recalled being told: “If you want your name to remain on the list, you know what to do.”
In some cases, officials allegedly impregnated both mothers and their daughters before being quietly reinstated.
Meanwhile, hunger continues to drive desperation. Despite Niger State allocating over ₦100 billion to aid and grants in its 2025 budget, IDPs told The ICIR they routinely sleep on empty stomachs.
Humanitarian groups warn the crisis is pushing women into unsafe survival choices. The Coalition of Shiroro Associations (COSA) has raised alarm over worsening health conditions in camps, warning of avoidable deaths without urgent intervention.
The Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs acknowledged the allegations of pregnancy involving a camp official, confirming that relevant ministries and human rights groups are investigating.
ICIR
