Over 38,000 IDPs Are In Plateau State – SEMA

SEMA Profiling IDPs In Plateau State

According to a new report by the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), not less than 38,051 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are taking refuge in 31 camps in the state following recent violence.

Julie Bala, SEMA director of search and rescue, noted that the victims included the June 23 and June 24 violence which involved some suspected herdsmen and villagers in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu, Bokkos and Jos south local government areas.

she further stated that 11 camps had been set up for the 16, 885 IDPs in Barkin Ladi local government.

“In Jos south local government we have a total of 9, 661 IDPs in Geo-Science Camps A and B, while in Riyom and Bokkos LGAs, we have 2, 772 persons in four camps and 2, 086 persons in six camps respectively,’’ she said.

Bala added that 6, 653 persons are currently taking refuge in eight different camps including host communities in Mangu local government.

She explained that each of the five local governments has a “host community’’ camp.

“When we say the host communities, we are talking about those relations hosting some of the affected victims in their respective houses,’’ she explained.

The director said SEMA had distributed relief materials in the various camps with the exception of those at Farin Lamba in Riyom, Mangu and COCIN Ranpiya.

On the exact number of men, women and children in the various camps, the official said the agency had not completed the profiling of the IDPs.

“We are aware (of this) and every information that we get, we pass to security agencies. I will like to advise those busybodies who have found their way into Ekiti to leave our state. In your interest, leave unannounced before the election because you will face very severe punishment.”