The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Bama local government area of Borno State northeast Nigeria who were known for making traditional caps expressed delight as the cap making business has saved the majority of them from begging.

Bama, a major trading hub on the road to Cameroon republic and home to at least 270,000 people, was captured in September 2014 by Boko Haram, forcing residents to flee to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. There they took refuge in IDP camps, community camps and with host communities while depending on government and non-governmental organisations for food, shelter and other essentials.

However, some of the displaced people invested in the traditional cap making business which made them self-employed.

Speaking to Radio Ndarason International today, Ba’ana Alai Mai a displaced person from Bama who also makes and sells caps at Damboa road cap market pioneered by IDPs from Bama said, he has been in this business since before their displacement by Boko Haram.

“When Boko Haram displaced invaded our community, they (Boko Haram) burnt down houses and destroyed businesses, they turned our rich to poor and givers to beggars.” He, said.

“I realised that, I can’t continue jobless as a father that’s how I started this business here (in Maiduguri).” He added.

“Life in the IDP camps is difficult, with little food, water and limited toilets. None of us would stay and that’s how we left camp and started business here” said Abbas Hassan another Bama displaced person selling and making caps.

They however called on other IDPs staying idle at camps to step their footprints, reduce their over dependence on government and non-governmental organisations to start a new life.