By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Prof Vearumun Tarhule, President General, Masev Development Association, MDA, has called on the Benue state government, political leaders, the business community in Masev land, wealthy sons and daughters of the land, and everyone with the wherewithal to without delay come to the aid of the displaced persons sheltering at Saint Gregory Catholic Church Ikpayonge.
The IDPs are people displaced from their homes by the protracted crisis between the Mbaivur and Mbasombo over land at the Ayati community of Gwer-East local government area.
The call which was contained in press statement signed by Dr. Mtswenem Tor David, MDA’s Media Adviser/Manager Public Relations and made available to The Authority newspaper 24th August 2023, passionately appealed to the government to direct the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide food, mattresses and general succour to the over 500 families taking refuge in the Catholic Church as a result of the protracted communal crisis.
Prof. Tarhule in the statement also drew the attention of every Masev Compatriot to the plight of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs currently taking refuge at the parish premises of the St Gregory’s Catholic Church, Ikpayonge under Rev Fr Bemgba Akem as shepherd.
The statement reads in part, “in recognition of the aforementioned, the MDA President General has called for humanitarian assistance in whatever kind, coin or item to alleviate the appalling conditions of the IDPs”.
The statement further encourages Masev sons, wives and daughters as well as friends of Masev to personally visit the IDPs camp at Ikpayonge with whatever token of aid or communicate or channel the freely intended succour through the MDA President General for onward delivery to the IDPs at Ikpayonge.
Prof. Vearumun Tarhule who, hitherto, have evolved every measure to bring about peace in the crisis over land at Ayati settlement between the Mbakume and Mbakough communities which spiralled to the entire clans of Mbaivur and Mbasombo, still appealed to the two communities to sheath their sword and embrace peace for the development of the area.
Over 500 hundred families according to the statement, are taking refuge at the Saint Gregory Catholic Church Ikpayonge, and are all dependent on the Priest in charge for both spiritual and physical food.
