The Plateau State Government has initiated a humanitarian intervention, distributing N1.5 billion to families affected by violent attacks in five local government areas. This effort aims to provide immediate relief to those impacted. The intervention comprises N1 billion donated by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Initiative and N500 million contributed by the state government.
A total of 1,571 households in Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu have been selected for the first phase of the assistance. The funds were disbursed to beneficiaries at the Government House in Jos. According to Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the first phase involves direct financial assistance to heads of affected households.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the true measure of this intervention will be seen when communities are able to stand again, livelihoods are restored, families can return home safely, and people can live together in peace and dignity. The state government plans to work with affected communities, traditional institutions, and security agencies to facilitate safe returns and restore livelihoods where security conditions permit.
The intervention comes amid renewed violence across Plateau, with several communities reporting killings and displacement in recent weeks. At least nine people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed in separate attacks in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and neighbouring communities between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
The continuing violence has affected not only lives but also livelihoods, movement, and access to communities. In response, the state government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu. Additionally, a ban on the use of motorcycles in the three local government areas has been enforced, and security agencies have been directed to enforce these measures.
Beneficiaries were selected through an identification and verification process involving the affected local government councils and other stakeholders. The process considered household information, losses suffered, and relevant documentation. The second phase of the intervention will focus on community recovery, with affected communities expected to identify priority needs through their respective local government councils.
The state government’s efforts aim to provide immediate relief while supporting longer-term livelihood restoration and the rebuilding of communities when security conditions allow. The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Kacholom Gang, assured that the government would continue supporting people affected by humanitarian challenges.
Key points
- The Plateau State Government has distributed N1.5 billion to 1,571 households affected by violent attacks in five local government areas.
- The intervention comprises N1 billion donated by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and N500 million contributed by the state government.
- The second phase of the intervention will focus on community recovery and rebuilding.
