Internally displaced persons in Plateau state are going through a harrowing experience following the crisis that drove them out of their communities on the eve of 2023 Christmas. There are as well discordant tunes regarding relief packages as MUHAMMAD TANKO SHITTU reports.
The year 2023 ended not as peaceful as it commenced to some communities within Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau state following fatal crisis that engulfed those council areas towards the end of the year. Therefore, it would be correct to say the year would continue to be remembered as one of the worst in the history of the state.
According to reports, hundreds of people were killed, several others injured, many properties lost, including but not limited to houses. In such situations, thousands of people were displaced with many homeless at Internally Disperses Persons camps (IDPs).
Local authorities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGA, for instance have put the records of death at close to 200 persons, while on the other hands, the leadership of herders claimed they had more number of deaths.
The the Nigerian Red Cross (NRC) however said it has established camps in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi with about 20,000 registered IDPs. The leadership of herders community also said they have recorded about 23,000 IDPs now scattered across three neighbouring states as a result of the crisis.
IDPs in dire needs of returning home
As the displaced persons dwelt in the various camps, report has it that they are in dire need of humanitarian and psychological support for their life to return to normalcy; so said the state chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross, Mr Nurudeen Husaini Magaji.
According to him, “We have so far been able to register more than 20,000 victims that are internally displaced. So far, 23 camps have been established; the biggest camp is at COCIN in Central Bokkos. These IDPs, mostly children and women, are from 30 affected communities in Bokkos local government. We have also reached out to one camp at COCIN in Barkin Ladi.
“They are in dire need of humanitarian support; they need food, water, clothes, sanitary hygiene and public convenience. They also need psychological support for trauma healings,” the head of Red Cross Nurudeen Husaini Magaji, had said a fortnight ago.
The state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, had on a visit alongside the vice president Kashim Shittema told the IDPs that supplies would soon come their ways and that the state government would do everything possible to ensure they get back to their respective homes soonest. However, weeks after the said promise, it seems nothing has been done.
“I can tell you that Mr vice president has already directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to move in immediately with supplies and I can assure that before long, the supplies would arrive; I will personally supervise it and ensure that none of it is hijacked by any body,” Governor Caleb Mutfwang, had also said a fortnight ago.
He added that, “Beyond that, I want to also assure you that before long, none of you would remain in IDP camps; as we would ensure that you return to your localities.”
But the coalition of herders associations in the state said the state government has blinded its eyes from seeing their plight. This was according to Muhammad Nuru Abdullahi, a leader of the coalition at press conference held in Jos.
He said, “Another concerning issue is the state government’s failure to include even a single Fulani individual in the distribution of a generous donation of N500,000,000 by Her Excellency Sen Oluremi Tinubu to victims of crises. Furthermore, the shielding of the federal government delegation from visiting affected Fulani communities and IDP camps, where women, children and the elderly endure harsh and unsuitable conditions adds to our concerns,” the coalition alleged.
We live under hash condition – IDPs
Some survivors of the crises, though trying to put behind them, the ungodly incident, nonetheless said their continuous stay at the camps is not conducive; therefore are questing to return to their homes.
Mrs Lucy Joshua, an IDP said, “Staying here in the camp is not an easy thing. The weather is hash, we are not used to staying in a congested environment, but the situation has made us to live like this, but all that we are appealing is for the government to help us repair our houses, put more security so that we can go home.”
She said they are farmers and all that they need is to also get back to go about their faming as a means of livelihood.
“We appreciate some groups for helping us with foods and clothes. I also thank NEMA and the Red Cross for their support,” she said.
Likewise, according to Josephine Matthew, they are trying but with difficulties.
“We are trying to see how we can forget the sorrows and at the same time we need food, water, clothes and even where to sleep. I want to go home with my family.”
It was gathered that humanitarian supplies were made by some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the National Emergency Management Agency while the Nigerian Red Cross is aiding in providing health care to the IDPS.
The state chairman of the Red Cross, Nurudeen Husaini Magaji, confirmed that mostly supplies are made by the NGOs and later NEMA, which were basically food items and mattresses.
“They still need more food and healthcare delivery. Yes, they want to return back to their various communities as in before,” he said.
Corroborating his assertions, the state chapter chairman of Meyyity Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Muhammad Nuru Abdullahi, said, “NEMA has given us some few items; they gave us food items and mattresses. Our people are still living under hash weather. We need building materials so that our people can repair their burnt homes to return back.”
NEMA’s North-central spokesman, Mr Yohanna Audu said, “Supplies have been made. Everywhere that an IDP camp is, we have been giving out items; they were given food items, clothes and mattresses. Other materials would be given as soon as they arrive including building materials,” he said.
