By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Internally displaced persons in the Bokkos local government area of Plateau State have again asked that all persons of goodwill who could facilitate their immediate return to their ancestral homes should come to their aid so they can return and take advantage of the rainy season to return to farming which is their main occupation.

The people also expressed worry that the continued exposure in the open spaces where they camp, with the coming rains would compound their health challenges and add to their numerous challenges.

The survivors of the Christmas Eve attacks in communities in Bokkos who are taking refuge in about 13 camps in the Bokkos town spoke when they received food items, clothes and other relief materials from the Stefanos Foundation, a humanitarian organization that was in Bokkos to support the people.

One of them, Esther Simon who appreciated the government, organizations, and individuals who have been giving support maintained that the best support would be “assistance with building materials, farm inputs and security so that we can return home and farm. The coming rains will add to our many challenges in the open space and if we don’t go back and farm, our economic strength will also be weakened.”

Earlier, the Project Manager at the Stefanos Foundation, Pastor Folorunsho Adisa said, “The love in action project is aimed at providing for the needy, especially persecuted Christians,” and disclosed that the items were provided in partnership with their official sponsor, Christian Freedom International, America.

He added, “Some of the leaders of these communities came together in Abuja to tell their story to let the world know what’s happening to them. Our partners heard about their plights and decided to put together these items for them. We identify with your plights and thank God that you survived, despite being through a lot. We brought this token because, with the economic situation, food is very important.

“Our prayers are that such affliction that brought you here will not arise again, we are asking for forgiveness, forgive the evil doers, God knows how to handle them.”

Rev. Mandong Bitrus, the Assistant Chairman of Central Committee Bokkos IDP Camps who received the food items on behalf of the IDP camps appreciated the Foundation for the immense support saying it is true and practical Christianity.

His words, “I want to use this opportunity on behalf of the Central Committee to say to Stefanos Foundation that we appreciate your show of love and concern for our people. This is a true and practical Christianity that when one is happy, all is happy, when one is hurt, all is hurt. We appreciate your show of love and concern for our people, thank you for the aid.”

A beneficiary, Rachael Danjuma noted, “This aid coming at this difficult time is appreciated. I’m so happy about the gifts. Thank you so much. God bless you, I cannot afford to buy all these, God will bless you people that you are helping us, anywhere that you bring it out, he’ll return it to you.”