By MBAFAN ADE
Frustrated and tired of staying at the camp in Abagana, Benue State, members of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have cried out to both the state and federal government to take immediate steps that would pave the way for them to return to their villages without further delay.
The restive IDPs, who are in thousands, spoke during an advocacy visit by the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) to the camp during the week.
They explained that they had become tired of living in the camp and called on government to hasten their return to their ancestral homes.
Chairman of the Abagana IDP camp, Mr Phillip Usartse, who spoke on behalf of the displaced persons, said “We have been reduced to beggars and we do not want to continue such a life. We are looking up to government to hasten in resolving this security challenge so that we can return to our villages.
“We thank IDFP for identifying with us and we are happy for the gesture of love this forum has shown to us by these generous donations. We thank you from the depth of our heart and we pray that God grants you safety to your destinations at the end of your visit,” the leader said.
Head of the IDFP delegation, Alhaji Yahaya Ibrahim, told the displaced persons, who turned out in their large numbers to receive them, that they were in the camp to condole with them over the tragedy that befell them.
According to him, “We are here to join in the efforts to attain peace in Benue state and other states enmeshed in crisis. We are committed to collaborating with others in ensuring that peace returns to Benue state. In the course of our advocacy visit, we shall be visiting various local government areas and relevant stakeholders in the state to hear them out on how peace can be achieved.
“Our forum is supported by the Vienna-based KAICIID Dialogue Centre. We are here to promote the cause of peace. I believe sincerely that your travails will soon be over.”
Members of the delegation that visited the Abagana IDP camp included the Country Expert of KAICIID for Nigeria, Joseph Atang, chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the advocacy programme, Professor Peter Agogo, Alhaji (Dr) Haroun O Ajah, Rev Sunday K. Simon, Alhaji Aminu Haske, Elder Sunday Onyibe, Rev Bitrus Dangiwa, among others.