COVID-19, blackouts, poverty, the hike in the price of food and an increase in the number of attacks by insurgents have left Maiduguri residents and internally displaced persons concerned about not being able to prepare properly for the holy month of Ramadan, which begins on April 13.

Massa Abbagana, an internally displaced person in Stadium Camp, said: “We are under the control of the government and non-governmental organisations. We have nothing. We rely purely on charity to get by.”

He hoped the residents of the camp would get “palatable” food to eat for the times when they could break the fast – from sunset to dawn.

“If we get food it will be all thanks to Allah but if we don’t we will have to drink water. What we get will be what we use,” he said.

Aisha Usman, a Maiduguri resident, said this was the first year of Ramadan fasting for which she had been unable to prepare.

She said the COVID-19 pandemic – which led to bulk buying – and the lockdowns had caused a lot of suffering in the community.

“Things worsened because of poverty, blackouts and the high price of food,” she said.

Muslim Ummah traditionally prepare for what they will need during Ramadan. Essential items include pap powder, millet and other nutritious foods.

“A week before the holy month and I do not have anything. I think we are going to suffer badly during Ramadan this year,” Usman said.

Another resident, Hajja Aisa Leje, urged women to be tolerant and patient with their spouses.

“The high prices of food have made it difficult for the men. It is expensive for them to buy food and those that sell foodstuff are struggling, too, because people can’t afford to buy what they need. Things are not easy for our men these days,” Aisa said.

Traditionally, the government, non-governmental organisations and wealthy individuals had provided help – such as food and money – to the less privileged and the poorest of the poor.

Internally displaced persons and residents hoped the same would happen this year.

• Ramadan, the most sacred month of the year for Muslims, begins on April 13 and ends on the evening of May 12. The Prophet Muhammad reportedly said: “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained.” During Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset. It is meant to be a time of spiritual discipline − of deep contemplation of one’s relationship with God, extra prayer, increased charity and generosity, and intense study of the Quran.