By; BUHARI B. BELLO, Jos
Executive Chairman of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dayyabu Yusuf Garga has disclosed that victims of the recent terrorist attacks in the area are going through so much hardship and need more urgent support.
He stated this when he led a team of officers from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Plateau State who visited displaced persons as well as areas destroyed.
The visit which took the team to Kukawa, Gyambuwu, Kyaram and Dungur among other places including a refugee camp in Garga, brought to the fore the reality of the carnage which was carried out by the bandits that was meant to eliminate a whole people as well as destroy sources of livelihood.
Kanam Local Government Council Chairman, Dayyabu Garga told the team that the attack was unprovoked as the inhabitants of those areas as well as Kanam LGA are very peaceful and accommodating, who have lived well with anyone who comes their way.
He said at a point, the number of houses counted to have been completely burnt by the bandits stood at over 200 and still counting while the number of the deaths has continued to rise above one hundred with the discovery of more bodies after the mass burials which earlier took place.
He told the visiting team that the refugees are camped in areas not suitable for them but that the LGA has been doing its best to offer some form of support even as both Muslims and Christians are observing the fast at the moment.
He thanked the Plateau State Government for directing SEMA and the Federal Government which sent in NEMA to assess the situation and plan immediate support to the people.
After taking a physical tour of the areas, the LGA chairman also took the team to the refugee camp where they were addressed with hope of an improved condition.
Speaking, leader of the team from NEMA, Eugene Nyelong said NEMA and SEMA where there to see the people and carry out statistics of all that have been affected.
He said their officials are on the ground to bring up fast a data of those affected as well as property destroyed so that emergency aid can be brought to the people.
Nyelong sympathized with them, calling on them to remain prayerful as government will do everything to reduce the hardship being faced.
After the visit, the Executive Chairman of Kanam Local Government Area also offered thanks to some illustrious citizens who have sent in immediate relief to the people.
He said, “we are beginning to receive support in the areas of foodstuff, beddings and clothes.
“The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Idris Wase and Senator Hezekiah Dimka have donated in that regards and we are pleading that more aid comes to our people.”
