By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – 300 vulnerable residents of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State displaced from their ancestral homes by violence, have benefited from the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) intervention.

The initiative was implemented by the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Plateau Branch, with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The intervention, held on Monday in Riyom, provided each beneficiary a registered ATM card loaded with ₦100,000 to support their reintegration, alongside essential household items such as mats, mosquito nets, blankets, aqua tabs for water purification, cooking pots, utensils, frying pans, bowls, soap, jerricans, and buckets.

The event attended by the Council Chairman, Sati Shuwa, traditional rulers, security representatives, officials of the NRCS, and other stakeholders saw beneficiaries expressing gratitude for the gesture.

In his address, the NRCS Communication Officer, Mafeng Mark, explained the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross to the participants, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian service.

He stated, “The purpose of giving the relief is to help people pick up and reintegrate into society. The token, though small, can go a long way in decongesting camps and revitalising the communities economically and socially.

“The Red Cross has no political or religious affiliation; our interventions are open to all. This initiative, funded by the IFRC, was designed based on feedback from our previous outreach. We hope this effort brings some relief amid the hardship faced by displaced persons.”

Also, the NRCS Health and Care Officer, Nina Garba, conducted a practical session on the use of Aqua Tap for water purification, aimed at improving hygiene and access to safe drinking water in the community.

However, the Riyom LGA Chairman, Sati Shuwa, who was decorated as a Patron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Plateau Branch, in recognition of his support for humanitarian work, and the Traditional Ruler of Riyom, Da Samuel Jok, all commended the initiative and encouraged continued peace and cooperation among residents.

Shuwa noted, “Riyom has the highest number of IDPs in the State, and this intervention gives us hope to move forward. We will continue to do our best to safeguard our communities, but we need your cooperation, when you see something, say something.”

Da Jok lauded the Red Cross and IFRC for their humanitarian efforts, praying that future gatherings would be in celebration of full resettlement rather than displacement because, “No matter how comfortable an IDP camp may be, it is not one’s home.”

The DREF intervention aimed to support families affected by crises through direct financial assistance and the provision of essential items to enhance recovery and resilience in the community.

The Acting Disaster Management Officer of the NRCS Plateau Branch, Yusuf Ibrahim, noted that the beneficiaries were selected through community-based volunteers who identified the most affected households.

The beneficiaries could not hide their joy, as they prayed God’s blessings on everyone who assisted them.