Displaced Persons in Plateau Communities to Return Before Farming Season
By Koptang Dakop
Communities recently displaced in three local government Areas of Plateau state have expressed a strong desire to return to their original places of abode before the farming season commences.
They made this known when the resettlement committee constituted by the state government visited affected communities.
The resettlement committee, which was inaugurated over two weeks ago with terms of reference among which is to identify the displaced communities, compile data of IDPs facilitate their relocation and implement security measures.
To ensure timely completion of its assignment, the committee was split into three to adequately cover the three affected local government areas, including Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin LadiIn areas visited, some houses were seen to be under reconstruction by individuals and through community efforts, with people gradually returning to their homes as the farming season is around the corner.
Some of the people who spoke to Radio Nigeria said they needed security protection and government intervention in the area of relief materials to enable them to fully return and continue their livelihood.
Most of the communities were without portable water and primary health care among others, hence calling on the government to also come to their aid by providing these basic amenities.
Team Leader of the team that visited affected areas in Barkin Ladi Local government Area, Mister Christopher Damcher noted that from the assessment, the people were excited with the government initiative to resettle them.
Council Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Mister Danjuma Choji who expressed the government’s determination to provide dividends of democracy to the people, however, lamented how funds that should have been used on development are sometimes channelled to tackle insecurity.
