The Victims Support Fund (VSF) has traced inflation in the current high cost of food in Nigeria to the violent attacks on rural communities in Benue and Taraba states which caused the displacement of farmers from their homes.
Chairperson of VSF, Barrister Toyosi Akerele, made the observation in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State during the organisation’s routine distribution of food items to at least 1000 displaced families.
The food items include rice, beans, maize, soya beans, salt, maggi, sugar, vegetable oil and palm oil.
Akerele said, “We have been able to touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of families in across local governments in Benue State where 21 out 23 LGAs have been overrun by all manner of violent attacks.
“The country is feeling the impact; we are seeing rising inflation in the cost of food and it is majorly because farmers in Benue and Taraba states are unable to farm.”
She however disclosed that the ongoing food distribution for December which commenced on 18th of the month marks the completion of the six-month distribution exercise started in June this year, adding that they are now set to begin an empowerment programme.
“As we complete the food distribution after the rigorous six months process, we are now moving fully into the economic empowerment in a sustainable way.
“We are going into supporting farmers, giving them farm inputs and farm implements. We are going to buy a tractor, we are going to be giving out seedlings and fertiliser, we are going to support those who want to go into skill-based professions like tailoring and hairdressing as well as others who want to go into vocational skill training. We are going to be investing in sustainable economic empowerment of the young women and men,” Akerele said.
She further commended the Chairman of VSF, General Theophilus Danjuma, for his foresight and leadership disposition, noting that eight years down the line, VSF has maintained a solid track record of sustainable long term impact in the lives of IDPs and citizens across board.
In separate responses, Rashila Mohammed from Etenyi community, Francis Ochi from Orewo, Friday from Ulayi and Ezekiel Ogbu, who said they were displaced by both suspected herders’ attacks and land dispute crisis confirmed that they have received food items up to six times as stated by the VSF chairperson.
The beneficiaries appreciated the donor organisation for coming to their aid and solicited other organisations and good spirited individuals to borrow a leaf from VSF.
