5,500 People Displaced In Plateau Attacks

The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) and the Nigeria Red Cross (NRC) have said 5,500 people were displaced, following the attacks in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of Plateau State.

JULY 19,2012

A statement by the organisations said: “The clashes that occurred on July 7 and 8 between the Fulani and the Berom in Riyom and Barkin Ladi local governments near Jos resulted in casualties and forced more than 5,500 people to flee their homes. Over 25 villages were affected.”

The ICRC and NRC said they are providing assistance to the displaced people who now take refuge in schools and community halls.

“People deserted their homes and sought refuge in schools and community halls. They need assistance in order to survive.

“They have urgent needs in terms of food, water and household items.

“A curfew has been imposed in the affected areas to quell further violence.

“ICRC has donated rice, beans, palm oil, groundnut oil, blankets, buckets, soaps and other essential commodities to over 2,800 displaced people.

“It has put in place 10 temporary sanitary facilities in the places where the displaced people are accommodated. It is in the process of installing two hand pumps to improve their access to water.”

“This operation is expected to continue over the next few days until all displaced people receive aid,” the head of the ICRC office in Jos, Julia Unger, said.

SOURCE:THE NATION