By Danjuma Auta
Members of the Miango Youth Development Association (MYDA) have embarked on communal farming to feed their kith and kin displaced by constant attacks by Fulani herdsmen.
Speaking during the distribution of harvested grains to the beneficiaries, Chairman of MYDA, Nuhu Yakubu Nkali, disclosed that the initiative was meant to cater for the needs of displaced persons in Miango districts.
He explained the farms covered about 200 hectares with about 160 hectares of cultivated crops where destroyed by Fulani herdsmen.
He reiterated the community’s resolve to continue living in peace with everyone, even those that had been attacking them, adding that Miango youth would continue to explore alternative ways of promoting peaceful coexistence with their neighbors and settlers.
Said he: “When we came up with this initiative, it was overwhelmingly welcomed and youths were so committed to the project which today has yielded very remarkable result that we’re celebrating today to the glory of God.’’
He pointed out that their doors were open to all who wanted to contribute to the project which, according to him, would be an annual event until poverty was completely wiped out from Miango land.
Also speaking, the Bra Ngwe Rigwe, HRM. Rev. Ronku Aka, thanked the youth for investing their energy in such a meaningful venture and assured that his people would continue to engage in projects that would add value to their existence.
He disclosed that the youth had also rebuilt more than 150 houses destroyed at Nkiedonwhro, Hukke, Ancha and Kpachudu communities and pledged that the traditional council would continue to support all developmental projects within the chiefdom.
The President, Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Prince Robert Ashi Dodo, called on the people to be very vigilant and give information that would lead to fishing out bad eggs in the community and the state at large.
He promised that IDA would continue to work with all of its branches and affiliates in promoting peace in the area and fashion out ways of helping IDPs within the chiefdom.
In a goodwill message, the Commander, Sector 3, Col. T.A. Ayiola, assured that the security operatives would continue to do their best to safeguard citizens within their areas of jurisdiction and called on the people to remain vigilant, peaceful and report any strange movements around them.
He pledged that the task force operating in the area – Hakorin Damisa – would continue to be professional in discharging its duty in the community and called on the people to continue cooperating with his officers and men so as to successfully flush out all criminals in the area.
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, represented by the DPO, Bassa Police Division, Mr. Solomon Machu, called on the people to unite and desist from any acts that may create bitterness among them, adding that both the Irigwe and the Fulani were peace loving people and promised that the police was ever ready to deal with criminals in the community.
The occasion featured traditional dances, presentation of awards to NGOs and individuals who had contributed in cash and kind towards making the farming project a success.