The leadership of Mwaghavul Development Association, M.D.A, the umbrella body of the Plateau State tribe whose natives mostly women and children were attacked and killed within the week has called on the federal and State government to take responsibility and ensure the provision of basic needs for the survivors who are already going through hardship due to their displacements.
It would be recalled that over 100 people have been killed, in the attacks which occurred in over 20 villages as houses; food barns have been burnt and the residents displaced. The body led by its National President, Sir Joseph Gwankat also asked that the government be responsible for school children who have been made to miss the ongoing Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations due to the incident.
Gwankat at a press briefing on Friday in Jos said over 20,000 people have been displaced and “Government must take immediate steps to facilitate the return of all persons that have become refugees in different IDP camps by reconstructing their homes and providing security for them as well. Otherwise, they won’t be able to go back and continue with their farming activities.” He added, “Government should take over full responsibility of educating children below age 10 who have lost both parents as a result of this conflict, while arrangements are made for those SS3 students whose WAEC Exams were disrupted as a consequence of this conflict. “NEMA/SEMA must urgently mobilize resources immediately to address the situation of the victims.
The Police have demonstrated low capacity and political will to secure minority tribes in Nigeria, hence we strongly recommend state policing in all states and communities in Nigeria. “Security agencies should build synergy with our community people to secure their families.
The integration of the Vigilantes and Hunters Association into the State Operation Rainbow may assist in information and proper protection of our people.” Gwankat who lamented that over 125 people have so far been buried while some bodies were thrown inside wells, some floating in the ponds and some still missing, stressed, such “genocide” would not intimidate them to hand over their land to strangers.
