National Human Rights Commission Demands Immediate Protection Measures for Children in Gombe Displacement Camps

Gombe NHRC coordinator Dr. Joseph Wanshe warns of trafficking and abuse risks for 4,000 displaced children following bandit attacks in Bauchi.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 11:28 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from NewsDiary Online

Escalating Vulnerability in Kashere Displacement Zones

The National Human Rights Commission, or NHRC, has raised a formal alarm regarding the deteriorating safety conditions for displaced women and children currently sheltering in Kashere town, Gombe State. Following a series of violent attacks by bandits on several villages within the Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, more than 7,000 individuals have been forced to seek refuge across state lines. Dr. Joseph Wanshe, the Gombe State Coordinator for the commission, reported that children make up approximately 4,000 of the displaced population. This high concentration of minors has created a critical protection gap, leaving a significant portion of the camp’s residents exposed to the immediate threat of rights violations and predatory criminal elements.

Systemic Risks of Exploitation and Trafficking

According to the findings of the NHRC, the current environment in the Gombe camps has become a focal point for potential human rights abuses, including child trafficking and forced labor. Dr. Wanshe noted that the lack of structured oversight and secure perimeters increases the risk of sexual abuse and molestation, particularly for unaccompanied minors. The commission’s report suggests that without a collective intervention from state and non state actors, the vulnerability of these children will only deepen. The threat of trafficking is especially acute, as criminal networks often exploit the chaos of mass displacement to recruit victims under the guise of providing employment or better living conditions elsewhere.

Infrastructure Deficits and Public Health Implications

The humanitarian crisis is being further compounded by a severe lack of basic sanitation and medical facilities, which has triggered a burgeoning nutritional crisis. Current assessments indicate that the camps suffer from a shortage of toilets, leading to widespread open defecation and a heightened risk of infectious disease outbreaks. Dr. Wanshe emphasized that the absence of separate, private facilities for women during bathing and sleeping hours significantly increases their exposure to gender based violence. Poor feeding arrangements have already led to documented cases of malnutrition among the youngest residents, creating an epidemic risk that threatens to overwhelm the limited medical resources currently available on site....