Over 2,300 Displaced Persons Rendered Homeless After Demolition of Durumi Area 1 IDP Camp in Abuja
Residents of the Durumi Area 1 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Abuja are facing a growing humanitarian crisis following the demolition of shelters within the settlement by officials of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration.
The demolitions, which reportedly took place between May 8 and May 11, 2026, affected more than 2,300 displaced persons, including women, children, widows, and orphans who had been living in the camp for over a decade after fleeing insurgency and terrorist attacks in different parts of Nigeria.
According to residents and camp officials, more than 1,300 makeshift shelters, popularly known as “Batcher Houses,” were destroyed during the exercise.
The shelters had reportedly been constructed over the years through donations and support from humanitarian organisations, NGOs, and private individuals assisting displaced families.
Affected residents alleged that the demolition was carried out without compensation, prior notice, or the provision of alternative accommodation.
Many families are now said to be sleeping in open spaces under harsh weather conditions, while relying on temporary assistance from a private individual who reportedly offered land for short-term refuge.
Camp representatives noted that each destroyed shelter was estimated to cost about ₦260,000, describing the demolitions as a major setback to years of humanitarian support and recovery efforts for vulnerable displaced families.
The development has sparked concern among humanitarian advocates, with calls for urgent intervention to provide emergency shelter, food, healthcare, and long-term resettlement support for the affected persons.
The camp was originally established in 2014 to accommodate people displaced by violence and insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria.
Over 2,300 Displaced Persons Rendered Homeless After Demolition of Durumi Area 1 IDP Camp in Abuja