The Plateau Taskforce on Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) says that with the onset of the rains, the displaced will soon return to their ancestral homes to cultivate their farms.

The task force made the declaration shortly after completing its on-the-spot visit to the displaced communities, which involved five local governments: Mangu, Bokkos, Barking Ladi, Riyom, and Bassa.

Retired Brig-Gen. John Sura, the task force’s secretary, spoke with journalists after the tour in Bassa Local Government and said the Caleb Mutfwang-led government was determined to ensure that farmers returned to their farms.

Mr Sura said the efforts addressed the looming hunger caused by the mass displacement of farmers from their homes.

The secretary said that while the resettlement of IDPs would be in phases, those whose houses were intact but fled for fear of an impending attack would be supported and encouraged to return.

“From the assessment so far, most people have returned, while some are still returning.

“Our advice to the government is that it should do its best to assist them in settling down quickly and continuing with their farms,” he said.

Fidelis Adara, transition implementation chairman of Bassa Local Government, appreciated Mr Mutfwang’s action of resetting the IDPs.

Mr Adara, a member of the task force, said the state government’s resolve would greatly assist the people to return and live their lives after the dastardly act meted out on them by the bloodthirsty attackers.

Gasto Barry, coordinator of IDPs in Miango, Bassa Local Government, lauded the government, saying that going around to assess the havoc caused by the attackers gave them hope.

Mr Barry commended the government for its efforts to reach out to people and prayed for resources to enable them to touch more lives.

The communities visited in Bassa include Nkiehwie, Zanwara, Kpachudu, Ariri, Rechigwu, and Ancha. 

(NAN)