Logo of the NUJ used to demonstrate the story.
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – The Plateau State Council, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, on Friday presented relief materials to alleviate the plights of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in Mangu local government area of the State.
The State Chairman of the Union, Mr. Paul Jatau, his exco members and other members of the Union witnessed the presentation of the items which included toiletries, foodstuff and clothing to the Paramount Chief of the Mwaghavul nation, the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, Da John Hirse in Jos for onward presentation to the displaced persons gathered in the different camps across the State.
Jatau told the Mwaghavul elders and leaders that, “… As a Union and as people who have been reporting this issue and have seen the suffering of our people, we thought it wise to contribute our widow’s mite and show our sympathy. We extend our sympathy to the Mwaghavul nation and all others who have been under siege by people who do not want the wellbeing of our State to continue.”
In his response, the Mishkaham Mwaghavul, appreciated the gesture, decried the wickedness being meted on the Mwaghavul tribe and noted, “… You are the voice of the people, it is only you that can tell the world the true situation… because you are professionals, and you have sworn to tell the world the truth and nothing but the truth… Do not be sentimental in your report, be objective, fear God and report accurately as it is. We don’t have any other place to go to…
READ: Plateau: 80,000 IDPs dot Mangu
“Almost all our villages have been destroyed, lives and property destroyed. I believe some of you have gone round to see for yourselves… We have been living peacefully with the Fulanis so what has happened this time? We can’t explain, what has happened came to us as a surprise, we have to find a way of healing the wound, as god fearing people, we must seek peace, peace is the only thing that will make us progress…”
The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association MDA, Sir Joseph Gwankat prayed for lasting peace not just in the Mangu local government alone but the entire State and stressed that what is happening is not a clash but an attack noting, “Some people have said it is a clash between the Mwaghavul people and Fulani, like I said, you met me working in my farm, you hit me or kill me. Are we clashing? It is an attack…”
