The Plateau Taskforce on Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has announced that, with the arrival of rainfall, the displaced individuals will soon be able to return to their ancestral lands to cultivate their farms. Following a thorough on-site inspection of the affected communities across Mangu, Bokkos, Barking Ladi, Riyom, and Bassa local governments, Retired Brig-Gen. John Sura, the Task Force Secretary, shared this update with journalists after visiting Bassa Local Government. He highlighted the commitment of the Caleb Mutfwang-led administration in facilitating the return of farmers to their agricultural activities.
The main objective of this initiative is to combat the impending food shortage resulting from the mass displacement of farmers from their homes.
The secretary mentioned that the resettlement of IDPs would be conducted in phases, with priority given to those whose homes remained intact but were forced to flee due to fear of potential attacks. Upon completing the on-the-spot assessment visits, a report will be submitted to the governor within the next week. The governor is eagerly awaiting this report to take appropriate action.
Most of the affected individuals have already returned, with some still in the process of doing so. The secretary emphasized the importance of facilitating the return of more people before the rain intensifies, allowing them to resume farming activities. He advised the government to provide the necessary support to help IDPs settle down and continue their agricultural work.
Fidelis Adara, the Transition Implementation Chairman of Bassa Local Government and a member of the taskforce, expressed gratitude to Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his commitment to resettling the IDPs. Adara believes that the state government’s efforts will significantly aid the affected people in returning to their normal lives after the tragic events they experienced.
To further assist the communities, Adara promised to construct culverts and bridges to connect areas without proper access roads. Gasto Barry, the Coordinator of IDPs in Miango, Bassa Local Government, also praised the government’s actions and expressed hope for increased resources to help more people.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the visited communities in Bassa included Nkiehwie, Zanwara, Kpachudu, Ariri, Rechigwu, and Ancha.
