By Faith Igbudu
Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), recently commenced the distribution of relief items to communities that were ravaged by army attacks in Konshisha Local Government, Benue State.
Recall that recently, the Nigerian Army launched a reprisal attack on some communities in Konshisha in response to a militia group attack on soldiers on patrol in the area who abducted, killed them and confisticated their weapons.
Executive Secretary, SEMA, Dr Emmanuel Shior, who briefed news men shortly before take-off, said the distribution was part of the state government’s initial promise to bring relief materials to many that were displaced as a result of the attack. He said a total of nine communities were affected and relief materials will be taken to all of them.
“It is not easy with us. Benue SEMA as the humanitarian agency for the state has seen quite a lot. Recall that three weeks ago, Nigerian Army launched a reprisal attack on eight communities of Shangev Tiev, in Konshisha. The Governor directed me to carry out an impact assessment. We captured eight communities in Shangev Tiev, Konshisha and one in Oju Local Government.
“We are here today because the governor has mobilised SEMA and provided items to be distributed to the nine communities which includes Gungur, Agidi, Aku, Adoka, Bonta, Gbinde, Tse-Anyior, Kule-ya in Konshisha and Okute in Oju.
“Working with me, is the Chairman, Konshisha Local Government Area and other government appointees. We are putting heads together to distribute the items directly to the people of concern. The items are food: rice, yams, indomie noodles, vegetable oil, salt. Sleeping materials: mats and mosquito nets as well as buckets,” he said.
Reacting, Chairman, Konshisha Local Government Council, James Jirgba said, “we are very appreciative of the effort the state government is making through Governor Samuel Ortom in this regard. It will provide succour for our people who were displaced in this unfortunate incident.” He assured that the items will be well distributed to alleviate the sufferings of people of concern.
