We Want To Return To Our Ancestral Lands –Bishop Matawal

Ahead of this year’s farming season, farmers in Plateau State anxiously hope they can return to their farms, following moves by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to resettle Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) on their ancestral lands.

Over 20,000 IDPs were in various camps in Mangu ,Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of the State following the December 25th 2023 attacks allegedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen. Over 200 persons were killed and thousands displaced with their means of livelihood destroyed in the process.

Currently, 16 IDPs camps are active in the three LGAs. Plateau indigenous people are industrious and self-reliant; they prefer earning their livelihoods rather than depending on handouts. It is also believed that the displaced persons should not stay too long in their camps else the invaders will permanently take over their lands and houses, hence the urgent need for the state government to quickly resettle them in their communities.

Mutfwang stated this in his remarks during a courtesy visit by the Missions of the United Nations International Organisation for Migration, Nigeria, Leurnt De Boeck, at the Government House Rayfield, Jos.

He outlined the state’s commitment to reclaiming abandoned lands and addressing economic challenges exacerbated by insecurity.

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Governor Mutfwang sought partnership with the International Organization for Migration to facilitate the rebuilding of destroyed communities in order to enable the safe return of victims of all violent attacks.

I learnt that the aim is to streamline efforts toward resettling all displaced individuals within the state.

Governor Mutfwang emphasised the importance of providing sustainable livelihoods and ensuring food security, highlighting ongoing collaboration with agricultural stakeholders, vigilantes, and hunters to enhance security for farmers.

In his remarks, Laurent De Boeck reiterated the organisation’s dedication to assisting displaced persons. He pledged support to mitigate crime and unnecessary migration in Plateau State.

Visiting Bokkos LGA stadium, I observed that one of the IDPs camp was anxiously waiting to go back to their ancestral homes to continue with their farming activities provided the environment is safe for them.

Meanwhile, Bishop Ayuba Matawal, the chairman Welfare Committee of the Displaced Persons in Bokkos LGA, told me that over 18,000 persons were displaced following the attacks on several communities in the area recently. Matawal lamented that most of the Displaced Persons are farmers and they would love to return back to their ancestral homes as the farming season is fast approaching.