In a stirring display of compassion, the Plateau Club 1921 Jos, has reached out to the displaced victims of Bokkos in Plateau State, on a mission to provide solace amid their Christmas Eve ordeal three months ago, having been attacked, maimed and killed by some terrorists.
Ravaged by heinous act of terrorists on December 24th last year where over 20 communities in Bokkos LGA witnessed widespread devastation, prompting mass exodus of families seeking refuge in IDP camps, leaving behind their homes and livelihoods, the Group decided to offer foodstuffs and other necessary items to the affected victims.
Presenting relief items to the affected victims on behalf of its members of the Plateau Club 1921Jos, Pam Dung Gyang, the Chairman of Bboard of Trustees of the Club, stated that they had painstakingly taken a step to ameliorate the suffering of IDPs.
Gyang, represented by Sunday Jesmiel, said that the Club’s membership cut across various religious and ethnic groups as their driven philosophy is reaching out to vulnerable in the Society.
“The rationale behind this noble gesture is to remember our brothers and sisters that were been devastated by the attacks from unknown persons. We felt that we should come and commensurate with them and render our hands of love for their wellbeing.”
Calling on Government to intensify priority towards ensuring the IDPs were resettled back to their ancestral homes, he said that the people are predominantly farmers and as the farming season is approaching “there is a need for Government to provide adequate security to guarantee their smooth return. Because the Government is always advocating about food security and without security we cannot actualize food security.
“Honestly, if Government can resettle these people back to their communities they will be happy and we the citizens will as well rejoice with them”, he stated
While appreciating the Plateau Club 1921 Jos members for reaching out to cushion the effects of hunger among displaced persons, Mandong Bitrus, a Reverend and Vice Chairman, Bokkos IDP Central Committee, lamented that their people were devastated not by unknown gunmen “but herders that they know them, live with them, and when they see them they can identify them and even mention their names”.
He stated that about 30 villages were invaded, forcing over 19,000 persons across the 13 different IDPs camp in Bokkos LGA.
He said “right now we have about 7, 165 who were mostly badly affected in the camp. That is those that their homes were completely burnt down.
“The situation of IDPs is very bad because their homes and businesses were destroyed within a tinkling of an eye. Their situation is terrible but we thank God for using well spirited Nigerians and none governmental organizations all over the world, because of what happened to us they have come to our aid, and that is what made the people a little bit comfortable and also help them to get over the trauma of displacement.”
“The rain has started setting, we pray God to grant the government and security agents the power to ensure they return displaced persons to their ancestral homes.”.
