SEVENTY-seven people have been killed in the last two months in the crisis that engulfed parts of Plateau State.
Speaking with Sunday Tribune, the President, Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Prince Robert Ashi, confirmed the number of those killed in the crisis so far, while advocating full compensation for families of victims. Ashi said farms crops and houses were destroyed by the Fulani militias in Irigwe land, adding that the farm crops destroyed in the past two months are worth over N150 million.
“The losses are monumental; over 31 villages were affected, 24 churches burnt, 3,631 families affected and 77 persons killed so far and over 1,000 farmlands with crops destroyed,” he said.
According to him, the Irigwe were predominantly farmers. The destruction of farms had crippled the source of livelihood of the people, adding that those whose farms were not destroyed were afraid of accessing their farms for the fear of being killed.
“About three weeks ago, some women displaced as a result of an attack went to their farm to see what they could harvest. But while there, three of them were gunned down by these militias. Apart from this, a similar incident also happened last week. So you can see the situation we have found ourselves in.
“Based on our estimation, no fewer than 1000 farms were destroyed completely; those whose farms are not destroyed cannot access their farms for fear of being killed by these militias still lurking around our communities. So the constant attack on our communities has brought hardship and hunger.”
According to him, there’s the need for adequate compensation so that people can start their normal life again, adding that since the government has failed in its responsibility to protect lives and properties, it should accept the responsibility of providing succour for the victims.
“There is no doubt about it the government has failed in its responsibility to protect us and our properties. We are holding the government responsible for our predicament, we did not look for trouble. So it is the responsibility of the government to take care of us at this particular time.
“In addition to the farms that were destroyed; houses were burnt down. Storage facilities with food were also burnt. Most of the affected people need to be resettled. Government can come in by providing building materials to facilitate reconstruction of their houses.
“Apart from the NGOs who have come to our aid, the government has not done anything to alleviate our suffering as a result of these attacks. We have discussed with SEMA and the government; nothing has happened. No single relief material came from the government,” he said.
He appealed to the government to provide adequate security for the people to enable them assess their farms adding that there are farmers who still want to take advantage of the rain season to plant one thing and the other.
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