John Abel
Following the killings in Plateau State and its attendant humanitarian crisis which has led to the displacement of many, the Mashiah Foundation in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has provided support to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Area (LGA).
The number of persons reached with the relief materials are 830 individuals in both LGAs, including other support initiatives and financial supports for villages, women and adolescent girls, pupils, vulnerable households, people living with HIV, persons with disabilities, among other interventions.
Speaking at the presentation of the relief materials and other supportive items to the victims, the Executive Director of Mashiah Foundation, Pastor Bayo Oyebade, said the outreach is not the first humanitarian relief Mashiah Foundation through the support of ELCA is implementing in Plateau State.
According to him, this is the fourth intervention where 830 individuals including women, men, children, the elderly, and that persons with disabilities will receive food rations and essential supplies to help alleviate hunger and restore dignity.
He reaffirmed that Mashiah Foundation, with the support of ELCA will not repent, and that they remain steadfast in its mission to rebuild lives, strengthen communities, and promote peace, stressing that they look forward to a Plateau where every family can live without fear, where children can learn in safety, and where women and men can work together to build a future of peace, dignity, and prosperity.
“This initiative, themed ‘Humanitarian Support for the Displaced and Vulnerable Persons,’ is designed to address critical needs in food security, non-food essentials, and psychosocial support for those affected by the violent conflicts in our communities.
“As you know Additionally, 625 women and girls will receive sanitary pads to support menstrual hygiene management, while targeted psychosocial services will be provided to address the emotional and mental health challenges which emaciated from the crisis.
“As an organisation who have being working for the vulnerable in Plateau State for over two decades now, we understand how immeasurable the pain of losing loved ones and livelihoods can be. Therefore, today Mashiah Foundation stand in solidarity with the good people of Bokkos and Bassa LGA praying the Lord to comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded, and restore peace to our land.
“Mashiah Foundation through its various programs and initiatives has remained a beacon of hope to the poor, the displaced, and the vulnerable. Guided by our vision of ‘building a safe world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive as God originally intended,’ our work focuses on restoring dignity, promoting equality, and strengthening community resilience which is in full alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Since 2015, our foundation has: empowered 269 entrepreneurs, providing them with business start-up kits such as tailoring, catering, shoe-making, and salon equipment whom were survivors of ethno-religious conflict or living with HIV.
“We have established 116 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAS) across Plateau State, which continue to provide financial and emotional support to conflict-affected households.
“Also, we have supported 1,035 women and adolescent girls through the provision of dignity kits to address menstrual health and hygiene. And we have provided scholastic materials to 1,848 conflict-affected pupils across Riyom, Bassa, and Barkin-Ladi LGAs, to sustain access to education.
“In addition, we have over the years distributed relief materials to more than 4,000 vulnerable households affected by conflict and displacement,” he said.
The Pastor then commended the Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Council, the District Heads, Security Agencies, faith based leaders, pastors and community volunteers for their unrelenting partnership, pointing out that they are the reason these intervention efforts have succeeded.
“And to our Pastors and church leaders, many of whom have also been personally affected by the conflict, we salute your faith and resilience. Despite your own pain, you continue to comfort, counsel, and rebuild others.
“May the Lord renew your strength and bless your labour of love. Do not be weary in well-doing, for in due season, you shall reap if you faint not,” he added.
In her remarks, Mrs. Mary Beth Oyebade of the ECLA missions said as a church, they are deeply concerned about the recurrent violence in Plateau State, particularly the increased vulnerability of women and children.
According to her, the recent spate of violence that has led to loss of lives and destruction of properties, and also caused untold hardship to the people is regrettable, and that their prayer always is that God should bring comfort to the bereaved families, healing to affected communities, and restoration to the entire region.
Furthermore, Mary Beth stressed that ELCA is committed to making contributions to alleviating these challenges while supporting advocacy for sustainable peace in Plateau State which is vital to food-producing state in the country.
She explained that they recognize the tremendous efforts by the state government, non-governmental organizations faith-based groups, and philanthropists to bring lasting peace to the affected areas, as well as the progress made in the state’s peacebuilding efforts, and their believe is that there should not be further lives lost and no more properties destroyed.
“Since 2023, ELCA has been partnering with Mashish Foundation to address these pressing concerns in Bokkos, Bussa, Barkin-Ladi, und Mangu LGAs. This partnership birthed three key interventions aimed at restoring livelihoods, fostering peace, and providing immediate relief to those most affected by the violence.
“There is the women’s Empowerment Project which addresses the livelihood challenges faced by women in the aftermath of the attacks. Through the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), women are empowered to save money and access credit to start or expand their businesses.
“Additionally, 120 women received grants totaling N90,000 each to support micro-enterprises. There is also the Peace Dialogue Sessions initiative which engaged diverse community stakeholders, including traditional leaders, Ardos, youth leaders and women leaders
“These dialogues have fostered mutual understanding, reconciliation, and community-driven solutions, with impactful results. And then the Food Distribution for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
“Today, we are grateful to God for the opportunity to flag off the fourth intervention: food distribution to IDPs in Bokkos, and Bassa L.GAs. While this phase of the intervention will support 830 individuals, we acknowledge that thousands more are in need,” she said.
However, she apologize that their resources can only cover this number at this time and assured of their commitment to expanding their reach as resources permit.
In his address, the Bokkos Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Amalau Samuel Amalau, stated that almost all the victims who received the relief items from the foundation and Church have their houses burnt, many killed and their land grabbed.
And so, he said, that is why they have become displaced and that even though the relief materials is not enough they appreciate the donors.
Hon Amalau stressed that most of the children can no longer attend school because their parents can no longer afford their school fees, and so called on other donor organizations to assist just as the Mashiah Foundation and ECLA missions are doing.
He cautioned the recipients of the relief materials against selling the contents of the package as it will be unfair to the donors, and advised that anyone who wants to sell it should rather donate it to his or her fellow who is not privileged to be given at the moment.
Meanwhile, he called on the people to be alert, tell their relatives and neighbours alike whatever they are going to, including their farms, in the event of any attack, as well as be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or observation.
In each of the relief material packages provided to the 830 IDPs are 5kg of rice, 5Kg of beans, 5Kg of maize and 5kg of garri
Others are blankets, toothpaste, bar/laundry soap, seasoning cubes, salt and family size Pomade
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