Interfaith Forum Visits Benue IDP Camp
In demonstration of its commitment to the advancement of peace and the need for harmonious existence among Nigerians, members of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) on Thursday visited the Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camp located in Abagana, Benue State, to sympathise with them and also donate items for their welfare.
Head of the IDFP delegation, Alhaji Yahaya Ibrahim, told the displaced persons, who turned out in their large numbers to receive them, that they were in the camp to condole with them over the tragedy that befell them.
According to him, “We are here to join in the efforts to attain peace in Benue state and other states enmeshed in crisis. We are committed to collaborating with others in ensuring that peace returns to Benue state. In the course of our advocacy visit, we shall be visiting various local government areas and relevant stakeholders in the state to hear them out on how peace can be achieved.
“Our forum is supported by the Vienna-based KAICIID Dialogue Centre. We are here to promote the cause of peace. I believe sincerely that your travails will soon be over.”
Speaking on behalf of the IDPs, Chairman of the camp, Mr. Phillip Usartse, said they were looking for the quick resolution of the crisis so that they can return to their ancestral homes.
“We have been reduced to beggars and we do not want to continue such a life. We are looking up to government to hasten in resolving this security challenge so that we can return to our villages.
“We thank IDFP for identifying with us and we are happy for the gesture of love this forum has shown to us by these generous donations. We thank you from the depth of our heart and we pray that God grants you safety to your destinations at the end of your visit,” the leader said.
Members of the delegation that visited the Abagana IDP camp included the Country Expert of KAICIID for Nigeria, Joseph Atang, chairman, of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the advocacy programme, Professor Peter Agogo, Alhaji (Dr) Haroun O Ajah, Rev Sunday K. Simon, Alhaji Aminu Haske, Elder Sunday Onyibe, Rev Bitrus Dangiwa, among others.
