In a bid to cushion the pains of people displaced by the incessant attacks on the Plateau by militia men, the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has Launched a Victim Support Fund Scheme in the State.
Speaking the Governor assured that his administration will be transparent and accountable in distributing whatever relief materials to victims of terrorist attacks in the state.
The Governor made these remarks during the official launch of the VSF 2023/2024 programme, which aims at improving livelihoods and empower communities in Bassa, Riyom, and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of the State.
The materials were donated by the Federal Government’s Victims Support Fund (VSF), which is being chaired by Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd).
Governor Mutfwang also used the occasion to announce the formation of a committee, led by the Secretary to the Government of the State, to oversee the distribution process.
The committee, Krestnews reports,has representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the media, community leaders and other relevant stakeholders.
Mutfwang expressed gratitude to Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) and the VSF management for their intervention for the displaced persons in Plateau and said the trust between the State Government, VSF and Plateau people would be maintained.
He appealed for strong partnership with top government agencies, philanthropists and well-meaning individuals to facilitate the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes in the State.
“We want to be accountable to our donors, to the victims, and the people of the state. So be rest assured that whatever you have brought to Plateau will be put to good use. We thank you very sincerely for thinking about the victims of the unfortunate violence that has been happening on the Plateau.”
Governor Mutfwang advised the victims not to lose hope but to remain resilient and optimistic as the government is working tirelessly to ensure that they overcome their challenges.
The Chairman of the VSF, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), represented by the Special Adviser on Programmes and Operations, Mrs. Toyin Akerele-Ogunsiyi, said the intervention would cover food distribution, education, income generation, psychosocial support and peacebuilding initiatives.
He explained that the programme, which would cost VSF N250 million, would benefit Bassa, Barkin-Ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas of the state.
”You will recall that VSF was established in 2014 with the mandate to provide support to victims of insecurity in the North-East. But recently, our mandate has been extended to cover states like Plateau to improve livelihoods and rebuild communities affected by conflicts.
”Our mandate includes distribution of foodstuff, educational materials, training of teachers, income generation by providing equipment and machines to the victims to start small businesses, peace building, water and sanitation, among others”,he said.