The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, on Friday donated items worth over N11 million to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the recent unrest in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
The donation was made through the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the archdiocese and supported by Christian Aid and START FUND Network.
Kaigma said the gesture was part of his humanitarian service, and that of all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Jos.
He said the gesture was a show of love, concern and to also identify with the IDPs.
“The condition of these IDPs is so pathetic that it needs the urgent attention of groups and spirited individuals to help in ameliorating the sufferings of these our brothers and sisters.
“This is what informed my decision to donate these items and cash which were gathered from our various parishes and other individuals, with the strong support from Christian Aid,” he was quoted as saying by NAN.
He emphasised that the items donated were not only meant for Catholic members nor for Christians alone.
The Archbishop assured the IPDs that their stay at the various camps was temporary as government was intensifying efforts to ensure that peace returned to their homes.
In a remark, the Representative of Christian Aid-Nigeria, Mr Charles Usie, said one of the cardinal objectives of his organisation was anchored on alleviating the sufferings of the less privileged in the society.
“What we are giving you today may not take away your sufferings and level of poverty completely, but just to sympathise and support you.
“We are here to amplify your pains and sufferings, and to spur more support from both home and international governments to come to the aid of people like you who are displaced from their original homes,” he was quoted as saying by NAN.
Earlier, the Assistant Coordinator of JDPC, Rev Fr. Stephen Akpe, explained that the items shared to the IDPs cost exactly N11, 999, 58.
He thanked the archbishop, spirited individuals, Christian Aid, and other organisations for their support.
The Chairperson of the Council, Mrs Josephine Pyol, thanked all those who contributed to alleviate the sufferings of the displaced persons.
She called on the people to pray for peace in Plateau and Nigeria.
The items donated include; bags of rice, beans, maize, blankets, mattress, mosquito nets, foodstuff, clothing and beverages.
