Rep. Dr. Simon Mwadkwon Calls for Urgent Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons

The Member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency has called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency resettle the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are presently in camps across the State.

He also said their is urgent need to rebuild public and private infrastructures destroyed in the Communities attacked by Killer Herdsmen.

Rep. Dr. Mwadkwon stated this on the floor of the House of Representatives when he raised a motion of public importance even as he noted with great concern the mass murder of June, 2018 which affected over 20 Communities in his Federal Constituency.
The communities are in Gashish, Ropp, Foron and Bachi of Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas where over 280 persons were murdered by suspected Killer Herdsmen which left thousands of women and children displaced with both public and private property completely destroyed.

Viewpoint Nigeria also quoted the Lawmaker as saying the roles played by both government and security agencies in the mode of operation by the attackers and the response to the attacks is worrisome and capable of causing great apathy and loss of confidence on the part of the people.

Dr. Mwadkwon said he is worried that crimes of this nature have continued to harvest the people across the constituency, causing the agrarian communities to abandon their farms, settlements, this he said has threatened food security, productivity and worsen the unemployment indices particularly the last onslaught on Tamgborom in Bum Ward of Riyom LGA.

Rep. Mwadkwon said he is aware of government effort in addressing the security challenges bedeviling the nation but was quick to say it is grossly inadequate as violence is escalating on daily basis across the Country, thereby, causing untold hardship characterized by famine, communicable diseases, maternal and child mortality.

The Legislator decried increase in the number of out-of-school Children which has risen to 2000 pupils and how students in the affected communities cannot have access to education.

He said during the June 23rd, 2018 massacre, the affected communities are still in a state of great despair, schools and other public infrastructures were equally destroyed by the invaders, over 25 Schools, 18 Health Centres, 43 Communities were brought down.

He said Displaced Persons’ Camps in Rawuru, COCIN Ban, Gassa, Bokkos, Geosciences Jos South LGA, Sangasa, Riyom Community Hall etc now have IDPs estimated at 13,000 persons.

The recalled that the FG pledged the sum of N10 Billion as intervention Funds solely to cater for the immediate needs of the internally displaced persons, the funds he said cannot be ascertained if it has been released or not as the IDPS are still suffering in camps and the impact not yet felt.

He called on the House to do the following:

  1. Mandate the committee on National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) when constituted and other relevant government agencies to urgently swing into action to resettle and rebuild the destroyed communities;
  2. Urge the Federal Government to immediately release the ten billion naira meant for the resettlement and intervention to the committee in the State charged with the responsibility to commence the project;
  3. Urge the Ministry of Education through the Universal Basic Education (UBE) to assist the State Government so as to commence the rebuilding of all the 17 Primary and Secondary Schools without further delay;
  4. Urged the National Primary Health Development Agency to also assist the State government to commence rebuilding of all destroyed health facilities.

Member representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency, Rep. Dachung Bagos and Dr. Henry from Akwa Ibom accorded their supports to the motion.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajamiala said the appropriate Committee when constituted will action on the motion.

count | 72

Rep. Dr. Simon Mwadkwon Calls for Urgent Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons

| Politics |
About The Author
- Friday Bako is Certified National Accountant (CNA), Blogger & Social Media Influencer/Strategist.