The Mwaghavul Women Collaboration Group has donated relief materials to victims of attacks taking refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Plateau.
The IDPs were from some communities in Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local governments of Plateau attacked by gunmen on Christmas Eve.
Mrs Christina Dakwal, the group’s Convener, said that the group felt the pains of the IDPs and shared in their grief.
Dakwal, who was represented by Dr Nalong Yale, a member of the group, said that the relief items was a token to cushion the effect of the experience faced by the IDPs.
Items donated include bags of maize, tubers of yams, seasonings, clothing, cartons of soap, moisturizers and other household items.
“I call on the government to, as a matter of urgency, rise to the occasion and live up to its statutory obligation of protecting the lives and property of citizens.
“The government should tax the security apparatus to respond rapidly to avert the carnage always left behind by these enemies of growth and development.
“I therefore appeal to the government to accelerate processes for the speedy return of all IDPs to enable them to prepare their farms ahead of the rainy season as a means of ensuring food security.
“I also appeal to other spirited individuals and groups to contribute towards alleviating the plight of these our kinsmen, who are suffering for no crime of theirs,” she said.
Dakwal commended Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau for his administration’s proactive measures to ensure that peace and unity were sustained in the state.
The convener also commended the paramount ruler, Mwaghavwul, Chief John Hirse, for his unwavering fatherly role in the enduring peace building efforts in the domain.
Dr Zipporah Duguryil, National President, Women Wing of Mwaghavul Development Association, applauded the women for the gesture.
Duguryil described the condition of the IDPs as terrible, adding that the token brought by Mwaghavul Women Collaboration Group would go a long way in meeting their needs.
She prayed for a quick resolution of the attacks to enable the people to return to their ancestral homes.
Mr Mathias Ibrahim, Director of Social, Mwaghavul Development Association, who received the items on behalf of the IDPs, said that the items came in handy.
Ibrahim, who is the camp coordinator, said that they ran out of food and the IDPs were starving. He called on other well-meaning individuals and groups to come to their aid.
Rev. Enoch Jonathan, an IDP whose house was burnt, appealed to government to facilitate the building of their communities.
Jonathan said that though receiving relief materials was a laudable endeavour, returning to their homes would be better.(NAN)