Victims of the 2018 attacks in Plateau State are still waiting for the Federal Government to fulfill its N10 billion promise to resettle displaced communities. The delay has sparked frustration among residents, youth leaders, and stakeholders who describe the situation as deeply troubling.
Between June 23 and 24, 2018, gunmen attacked communities in Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, killing over 200 people and displacing 17,000 residents. Following the devastation, then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited the affected areas and pledged N10 billion to rehabilitate the victims and rebuild the destroyed communities. Over six years later, the promise remains unfulfilled.
Stakeholders Voice Frustration
Speaking to Arewa PUNCH, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Solomon Dalyop, called the situation “regrettable.”
“I can tell you that the N10 billion promised by the Federal Government has not been released. It’s unfortunate that more than six years after the pledge was made, the victims are still waiting,” Dalyop said.
He explained that his association had sent several reminders to the Presidency, urging action to alleviate the suffering of the victims, but no response has been received. “We don’t know what to do anymore,” he lamented.
Another youth leader, John Dabi, expressed concern over the victims’ plight and called on the government to act swiftly. “The victims have shown immense patience, but this delay is too much. Now that we have a Minister of Humanitarian Affairs from Plateau State, we hope something will finally be done,” he said.
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Lives in Limbo
The displaced persons continue to live in dire conditions. In Gashish village, one of the hardest-hit areas, elder Joseph Bitrus recounted the tragedy: “We lost everything—our homes, livestock, and livelihoods. The government promised to help us rebuild, but we’re still waiting.”
Bitrus highlighted the long-term impact of the delay, saying, “My children are growing up in temporary shelters without a proper home. The future looks bleak.”
A member of the state committee set up to oversee the resettlement effort shared similar frustrations. “We’ve done our part, but the Federal Government has not fulfilled its promise. Displaced persons remain in temporary shelters, struggling to survive,” he said.
Governor Calls for Action
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has consistently appealed to the Federal Government and other stakeholders for help. During a recent visit by the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, the governor reiterated the urgent need to resettle displaced persons.
“We must move our people out of Internally Displaced Persons camps back to their settlements. This means providing security, rebuilding their homes, and giving them economic empowerment,” Mutfwang stated.
He added, “Many of these people take pride in working with their hands. Living in IDP camps is mentally torturous for them. We must work together to return them to their ancestral homes.”
Growing Impatience
As years pass, patience among the victims is wearing thin. The unfulfilled promise has raised questions about the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Plateau State.
Efforts to contact Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Vice President, were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off at the time of inquiry.
The delay in releasing the funds has left thousands of displaced individuals without the means to rebuild their lives, further compounding the challenges faced by the affected communities. Stakeholders continue to urge the Federal Government to honor its promise and bring relief to the suffering victims.