The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation has raised an alarm over the plight of hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) following the killings going on in Plateau State and urged stakeholders to work for peace in the state.
A statement by Reverend Gideon Para-Mallam, President and CEO of the peace foundation, made available to journalists in Abuja, said at least 6,603 households have been affected by the attacks, leading to the death of over 300 persons across the state.
The foundation said there are over 18,000 IDPs taking refuge across 14 camps in the state.
“The 14 camps are hosted by the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Local Church Councils (LCCs). A breakdown of the IDPs shows: 2,081 widows; 6,066 orphans between the ages of 0-5 years old. Old people account for 1,057 and teenagers and adult orphans account for 828.
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“A total of 6,603 households are currently affected by these deadly attacks. Over 300 lives have been lost on the Plateau from April to date. Out of this number, over 200 lives have been lost to sustained violent attacks in Mangu LGA, as at Saturday July 8.
“The current harvest of deaths in Mangu LGA must be treated with the utmost urgency it deserves.”
The statement called for a concerted effort to tame the crisis, saying that the federal government, Plateau State Government and other stakeholders must work together to bring lasting peace to the state.