The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Plateau State Council has presented relief support to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs of the attacks in Mangu local government area of the State.
State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Paul Jatau led other excos and members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to present the items to the survivors of the attacks through the Mishkaham Mwaghavul and National President of Mwaghavul Development Association in Jos for onward distribution to the IDPs in their various refugee camps.
Presenting the items, Comrade Paul Jatau who was worried over the ongoing attacks, explained that the Union as people who in the course of their work have visited and reported the disturbing condition of the displaced persons, felt to identify with the victims in their own little way.
“We extend our sympathy to the Mwaghavul nation and all others who have been under siege by people who do not want the wellbeing of our state to continue.
“We thought that as a Union and as people who have been reporting this issue and have seen the suffering of our people, we thought it wise to contribute our widow’s mite and show our sympathy to his royal highness for extension to the people.
The NUJ Chairman noted that though members of the profession are not people who are well to do in the society but want to identify with the victims by extending their hands of fellowship with them.
Responding, the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, Da John Hirse described the days as a great day for the Mwaghavul nation as the entire Journalists on the Plateau are with them physically to condole with them. He appreciated the Union on behalf of himself, Mangu Traditional Council and the entire local government for the show of love.
He said what has happened to them is what has been happening around in some local governments but their own is more devastating as almost all their villages have been destroyed, lives were lost and farmlands were also destroyed.
The royal father said they are surprised by what had happened because they have been living peaceful for years, but now that it has happened, they have to find a way of healing the wounds and a way of getting together to live peaceful again.
“You are the voice of the people, it is only you that can tell the world the true situation… because you are professionals, and you have sworn to tell the world the truth and nothing but the truth. So we believe that what has happened and what is still happening, please do not be sentimental in your report, be objective, fear God and report accurately as it is. We don’t have any other place to go to”. He said.
The Mishkaham Mwaghavul also appealed to the members of the pen profession to help proffer solutions as the voice of the people on how to overcome the happenings for peace to return in the state.
Also appreciating the Journalists, the National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association MDA, Sir Joseph Gwankat noted that they are privileged to have the voice of the people visiting them.
He used the opportunity and clarified on some misleading information going round that the Mwaghavul people attacked the Fulani herdsmen.
“If I’m sleeping and you come to attack me, you kill and burn so many places and I wake up and see you and I defend myself, have I attacked you? He asked rhetorically.
“People have said it is a clash between the Mwaghavul people and Fulani, like I said, you met me working in my farm, you hit me or kill me. Are we clashing? It is an attack”. He added.
He prayed and hope that government would investigate the issue to unravel the true situation and find an enduring peace not in the local government alone but the entire state.
Items donated by the NUJ includes Bags of Maize, Beans, Garri, clothes, toiletries and detergents.