By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
A Group under the aegis of Plateau, Our Heritage (POH), on Friday presented palliatives to helpless victims of the recent attacks in Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
It would be recalled that despite the State being under total lockdown as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic that has been ravaging the world, Nigeria inclusive, the people of Irigwe land under Miango District of Bassa LGA has suffered several attacks in recent weeks where scores were killed property worth millions destroyed.
Chairman of the Group, Hon. Alex Kwapnoe presented cash donation to the Acting President of Bassa Traditional Council and Braa Nggwe Irigwe, Rev. Ronku Aka at his Palace in Miango.
Kwapnoe said the Group made up of over 250 citizens of Plateau have resolved to stand firm in defending Plateau heritage and to bring succor to hopeless and helpless citizens who are affected by violent attacks.
“This group was conceived to fight injustice that has been mated on Plateau people over the years who have suffered attacks occasion by bandits.
“We are deeply pain that several persons in Miango communities have been killed with several communities displaced. Members of this group are not happy with the turn of events and decided to contribute little to cushion the effects of the attack.”
He said 9 persons were killed recently in Hurra village and houses destroyed, leaving widows and orphans in helpless situation.
Kwapnoe expressed dismay that most of the defenseless community made up of women and children are murdered in their sleep.
“The people have nothing to defence themselves with, and they are killed daily in numbers. We are always hurt when we hear attack in any parts of Plateau.”
Also, National Co-ordinator of Emancipation Centre for Crisis Victims in Nigeria, (ECCVN) Barriester Dalyop Solomon Mwantri, who is a member of the Group donates clothes and blankets to displaced children in the community.
He urged the community to inform the Organization if there are issues of complicity on the part of the Military for possible legal action.
Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Plateau State and Convener of Plateau, Our Heritage Group, Hon. Ayuba Pam Dangwong called for close collaboration between communities to halt incessant attacks in the state.
He noted with dismay how 9 persons including children, Women and the aged were buried recently in a mass grave in Miango community and described their murder as heartless.
The Acting President, Bassa Traditional Council and Brra Nggwe Irigwe, Rev. Ronku Aka appreciated the donation and expressed gratitude that there group of Plateau indigenes who are up to defend Plateau heritage.
He urged the group to stand firm in defending helpless communities in the state and urged young persons to unite and protect the state from external invasion.
The traditional ruler said the Irigwe people have lost over 500 people in the herdsmen attack and and several houses destroyed.
“I encourage you to stand firm to protect Plateau people from the current security challenges, you must protect Plateau heritage. We have lost about 500 persons within the period of attack in Miango communities.”
