From Ron-Well Jacob, Jos.
Chief Joshua Mape, National President, Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), has decried the sidelining of Mangu people, who prefer not to stay in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, in the distribution of relief materials to victims of attacks on Gashish District in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area (LGA).
The Federal and State Governments through NEMA and SEMA on Saturday, June 30 began distribution of relief materials to victims of the attacks on Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South Local Governments of Plateau in which over 200 persons were killed.
But Mape told Everyday.ng on Monday that 74 indigenes of Mangu were among the persons killed at the Gashish district attack.
“We are not happy with this attitude of selective justice of the authorities simply because it has gone to show their seggregtation and failure.
“Out of the 104 Mwaghavul people killed in the crisis, we have at Gana Ropp–4, Gwol Central–1, Dorawa–33, Rapomol-1, Gindin Akwati-15, Yalwa Gindi-19 and Tenti/Ruku-32.
“Those that died in the bush are not accounted for and we are yet to take stock of properties destroyed in the crisis and the whole number of the refugees, ’’ he said.
Mape said, “the government should ensure that justice is done and relief materials are taken to the IDPs taking refuge at Heipang and Barkin Ladi town as wells as those staying withi their relatives in Mangu and inside Jos.’’
He wondered why the authorities should only concentrate their distribution of relief materials on only the various IDP Camps within Bakin Ladi, Jos South and Jos North Local Governments, adding that those staying with relatives and other places.
He disclosed that a census of actual victims is being considered to give the appropriate authorities for their use.
The president also called on the federal government to consider expanding its security apparatus to flash points or villages to help checkmate activities of bandits.
“I think it will be helpful if Mobile barracks are built in flash points/villages to serve as a wall between us and attackers, ’’ he further suggested.
Also speaking, Mr Bitrus Edward, the paramount ruler of Mwaghavul people in Barking Ladi, expressed shock over the denial of relief materials to his subjects not in IDP camps but affected by the crisis.
“We have been segregated and we are not going to keep quiet until justice and the right thing is done.
“Our people affected by the crisis are so many, even though we are yet to get the correct figure as some of them ran back to their various villages for refuge, ’’ Edward said.
