…says govt has taken measures to ensure their safety

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

GOVERNOR Tanko Al-makura of Nasarawa State, has called on over 7,000 Nassarawa State citizens who fled the troubled Obi, Assakio and Adabu-Alabu areas of the state due to the recent violent conflict to return to their homes as measures have been put in place to ensure their safety.

Governor Al-makura made the call during an on- the-spot assessment of the camp in Namu, Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area, Plateau State, where the victims have been taking refuge since Wednesday last week.

According to him, “I am here to assure you all that the state and the federal governments are aware of your plight and we are here to demonstrate our deep concern. But most importantly, I am here to inform you that peace has been restored to the troubled areas because the federal government has deployed adequate security personnel in the areas to guarantee safety of lives and property. I, therefore, urge you all to return home immediately. Those of you whose houses were burnt in the crises, can be rest assured that government has concluded arrangement to assist you in re-building the burnt houses.”

He urged the refugees to put the crisis behind them and forgive those who might have hurt them and remain law abiding citizens in the interest of the state.

Meanwhile, relief materials consisting of food items, clothing, toiletries, blankets and mattresses were distributed to the victims by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.

Sole administrator of Qua’an-Pan Local Government, Mrs. Vou Dido, who received the materials on behalf of the refuges, promised onward distribution to the victims.