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Udege Council Distributes Relief Materials To Victims Of Recent Attacks

The Udege Area Administrative Council in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State has distributed relief materials to victims of the recent violent attacks that affected several communities in the area.

The food items comprising 300 bags of rice, 150 bags of beans, 100 bags of maize, 100 cartons of spaghetti, and 100 cartons of seasoning cubes were supplied to the Council by the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency as part of efforts to cushion the hardship faced by victims.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, a Council Member, Dr Abubakar Abdullahi Okuwa, expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of the attacks on affected communities. He described the intervention as an emergency response by the government, noting that the scale of the relief allocated to affected communities reflects the magnitude of destruction suffered. He urged community representatives to ensure fairness and transparency in the distribution process so that all affected households benefit.

Also speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Egba Jonah Eshi from Apura appreciated the government for the timely intervention and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to peaceful coexistence. However, he called on authorities to caution herders against acts of intimidation, alleging that they often issue threats when challenged over trespassing on farmlands.

According to him, such encounters frequently escalate tensions, with herders reportedly using phrases like “Have you forgotten ?” a statement he said is perceived by locals as a veiled threat suggesting the possibility of renewed violence.

In his remarks, the Administrator of the Council, Navy Commodore Yahaya Owuna (Rtd), called for peaceful coexistence among residents from both ends, stressing that crises yield no positive outcomes. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, adding that security has been intensified across the affected communities, with joint task force operatives currently on patrol.

The Administrator warned that the government would take decisive action against anyone found engaging in activities capable of inciting violence. He also cautioned herders against encroaching on farmlands and destroying crops, particularly as the farming season begins, noting that such actions have contributed significantly to recurring conflicts in the area.

The recent attacks, which reportedly claimed over 40 lives and led to the destruction of more than 150 houses and properties worth millions of naira, have drawn widespread condemnation across Nasarawa State and beyond.

As part of ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace, the government has scheduled another stakeholders’ meeting for Thursday. The meeting will bring together the Ag. Osu Ajiri, district and ward heads, Ardos, youth and community leaders, as well as affected residents. It is expected to be chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe.

Present at the distribution exercise were the Deputy Chairman of Nasarawa Local Government Council, Hon. Sabo Iduwa, who represented his principal, the former Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Abubakar Akum, Council members, ward councillors, security personnel, and other key stakeholders.