Plateau IDPs will soon return home to resume farming, says resettlement task force

The Plateau government says internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state will soon return to their ancestral homes to commence farming.

John Sura, secretary of the task force on the resettlement of IDPs in Plateau, spoke on Friday after conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities in Bassa LGA.

Sura said Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, is committed to ensuring that all displaced persons are resettled in their ancestral homes.

He said the resettlement is part of the governor’s efforts to address the hunger crisis caused by the massive displacement of farmers in the state.

He said the resettlement would be conducted in phases, adding that those whose houses are intact but fled due to fear would be provided with the necessary support.

The secretary named the most affected LGAs as Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Bassa.

“Now that we have concluded the on-the-spot assessment visits, in the next week we should be able to submit the report to the governor,” NAN quoted Sura as saying.

“We know that the governor is anxiously waiting for the report to see what he can do. From the assessment so far, most of the people have returned, while some are still returning.

“Hopefully, we will facilitate the return of more people before the rain gets serious so that they can farm.

“Our advice to the government is for it to do its best to assist them to settle down quickly and continue with their farms.”

Also speaking, Fidelis Adara, chairman of Bassa LGA, commended the governor for the move, adding that it has given the displaced persons hope of returning to their homes.

Adara, who is also a member of the task force, assured that the LGA would construct culverts and bridges to make some of the communities accessible by road.