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Six Months After April 1 Attacks, Affected Communities Mark Nasarawa’s 30th Anniversary, Nigeria's 66th Independence In Displacement, Grief

As Nasarawa State marks its 30th anniversary, residents of Akyawa-Baka, Gidan Ogiri, Udegen-Kasa, Apura Adagba, Oruwo Evo, Ittara and other communities affected by the April 1 attacks are marking the milestone six months after the violence that displaced families and devastated livelihoods.

For many affected households, the anniversary comes amid grief, displacement, destroyed homes and farms, and continuing concerns over security.

According to information gathered from affected communities by the Restore Our Communities Initiative, Nigeria (ROCI), the death toll linked to the violence has risen to about 150 and is still being documented. The attacks also resulted in the destruction and loss of houses, farmlands, crops, livestock, motorcycles, cash and other valuables.

ROCI said a significant number of residents remain displaced, while many farmers have been unable to return safely to their farmlands.

The organisation said some farmers who attempted to return to their farms reportedly came under attack, while crops were also destroyed, disrupting agricultural activities and threatening household incomes and food security.

The effects, according to ROCI, have extended to education and healthcare, with displaced families struggling to meet school fees, learning materials and other educational expenses, while insecurity and destruction have also restricted access to basic services in some communities.

ROCI Sustains Peace, Humanitarian Advocacy
Six months after the attacks, ROCI said it has continued its peace and humanitarian advocacy among affected communities and stakeholders.

The organisation said its engagements have focused on peaceful dialogue, improved security, harmonious coexistence, humanitarian assistance and creating conditions for the safe return and resettlement of displaced residents.

ROCI said it has engaged affected farming communities as well as leaders of Fulani herders as part of efforts to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Its engagements have included the Osu Ajiri, the paramount ruler of the area; the Ardo of Udege Area Administrative Council and his cabinet; and the Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Udege Area Administrative Council and his officials.

The organisation also said it has engaged government, security, political and community stakeholders, including the Divisional Police Officer, Maraba-Udege Police Division; Administrator, Udege Area Administrative Council; Member representing Udege/Loko Constituency; Executive Chairman, Nasarawa Local Government Council; APC Western Zonal Chairman; ward councillors, former lawmakers and other community stakeholders.

According to ROCI, the engagements have been conducted through dialogue rather than confrontation, with emphasis on the right of all residents, irrespective of ethnic, religious or occupational background, to live peacefully and protect their livelihoods.

ROCI has called for a coordinated response combining security, humanitarian relief, reconstruction and livelihood restoration.

Among its demands are the establishment of permanent police outposts at Akyawa-Baka and Gidan Ogiri, or at a strategic location between the communities; motorcycles to strengthen security patrols; aerial surveillance in vulnerable areas; roofing zinc and cement for affected households; and sustained agricultural and livelihood support.

The organisation said the continuing displacement demonstrates that humanitarian assistance cannot be separated from security, arguing that farmers cannot safely return to their farms without adequate protection.

As Nasarawa celebrates 30 years of statehood, ROCI urged authorities and stakeholders to remember communities still affected by the violence and sustain efforts towards their recovery.

For the displaced families, it said, meaningful recovery would include safe return, reconstruction of homes, restoration of farms and livelihoods, and access to schools and healthcare.

ROCI's clear demand is for the victims to return, rebuild their homes, clinics, be able to farm, give their children access to learning, but most importantly, let them live devoid of fear of attacks and harassment whatsoever.

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