Evangelist Isaac Omolehin, founder of Word Assembly Ministries in Ilorin, and more than 100 vulnerable residents of his camp, including orphaned children, the elderly, and mentally challenged women, have been left homeless since a police-ordered evacuation in late May. The evacuation was carried out over an imminent bandit attack. Omolehin, an outspoken Christian evangelist, said police arrived at the camp in the middle of the night of May 30 into May 31 and ordered everyone to flee immediately.
The camp, which housed orphaned children, a primary and secondary school, a hospital, an old people’s home, and a rehabilitation centre for mentally challenged women and their children, has been deserted since the evacuation. Although Omolehin was away at the time, the bandits later arrived but found the facility empty. The bandits left the camp buildings intact, but thieves later looted refrigerators, fans, mattresses, and other items. All operations at the camp have collapsed.
Omolehin said the police told him that kidnappers were on their way to attack him, but they did not provide any further information or assistance. Despite repeated appeals to the police, the Department of State Services, and the Kwara State Ministry of Social Welfare, the displaced residents have not been given clearance to return to the camp. Omolehin himself has gone into hiding with his wife and children, saying he has a house he cannot enter and a car he cannot ride.
The evacuation has had a significant impact on the lives of the vulnerable residents, who are now scattered across different locations. Omolehin said some of the orphaned children had been referred to the facility by government authorities, and he has appealed to the Federal and Kwara State governments to restore security so that the displaced can return. He noted that some of the children need to go to school, but this has been disrupted due to the situation.
Omolehin's village in Kogi State was attacked three days after the Kwara incident, and some of his people were killed. Despite the threats and restrictions on his ministry, including a recent ban from preaching in Baptist churches, Omolehin has continued his public advocacy. He has appealed directly to the government to improve security and allow him to return to the camp with his family and the people he looks after.
The situation has highlighted the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations and individuals in Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by banditry and insecurity. Omolehin's case has raised concerns about the protection of vulnerable populations and the need for government support to ensure their safety and well-being. The incident has also underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies and humanitarian organizations to address the root causes of insecurity.
Omolehin's plight has sparked calls for government intervention to address the security challenges faced by humanitarian organizations and individuals in Nigeria. The incident has also highlighted the need for sustainable solutions to address the root causes of banditry and insecurity in the country. Key efforts are needed to restore security and ensure the displaced residents can return to their homes.
Key points
- Over 100 vulnerable residents, including orphaned children and the elderly, have been left homeless.
- The camp's operations, including a school, hospital, and rehabilitation centre, have collapsed.
- Omolehin has appealed to the government to improve security and allow the displaced to return.
