The Catholic Bishop of Pankshin Diocese in Plateau, Most Rev. Michael Gokum, has donated items worth over N2.5 million to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) taking refuge in Pankshin and nearby areas.
The donation was made through the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the diocese and was supported by the Catholic Caritas Commission.
NAN reports that the main beneficiaries of the gesture were persons displaced from the North-East and are taking refuge in Kanem and Kanke local government areas of the state.
Gokum said the gesture was part of his humanitarian service, and that of all Catholics in the Diocese of Pankshin. He also said that the gesture was a show of love, concern and to 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 which were gathered from our various parishes and other individuals, with the strong support from Catholic Caritas Commission,” he said.
He emphasised that the items donated were not meant for Catholic members nor for Christians alone. “We are all God’s creatures, and so, what we are donating today will not only be distributed amongst Christains alone,” he said.
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 original abodes.
In a remark, JDPC Coordinator of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Bassil Kassam, 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 said.
He thanked the Bishop, individuals, Catholic Caritas Commission, and other organisations for their support. NAN reports that the items donated include; foodstuff, blankets, buckets, beverages, sleeping mats and some clothings.
