By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
Community leaders in Ugodo community, Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, have commended the former Managing Director of Taraba State Investment and Property Limited, Hon. Chief Iliya Ezekiel, for his humanitarian intervention to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the area.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the House of Representatives hopeful for Donga, Takum and Ussa Federal Constituency recently visited Ugodo and donated food items valued at over ₦10 million to residents displaced following violent attacks on the community.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA further reports that armed herdsmen, last week Monday, attacked Ugodo community, killing the councillor representing Akete Ward alongside 12 other persons, all natives of the community.
Reacting to the intervention, community leaders including Tyoor Mbayam; HRH Zaki Stephen Nderaamo; Tyoor Mbashaa; HRH Zaki Moses Elnan; Tyoor Mbadyugh; and HRH Zaki Tsaaga Tyokirgh, who received the relief materials, described the gesture as the first major support they had received since the attack and their subsequent displacement.
The traditional rulers said Chief Iliya’s action demonstrated empathy and compassion for the vulnerable, adding that such kindness deserved divine reward.
“This is the first time since we were attacked and displaced that someone has shown us this level of concern,” one of the leaders said.
They pledged to support his political ambition in appreciation of what they described as a selfless humanitarian gesture.
Speaking to the displaced persons, Hon. Iliya expressed deep regret over the incident and called on the government to strengthen security and ensure the safe return of displaced residents to their homes.
Represented by Hon. Terzungwe Akaayue, Amoamo Shundan and Victor Salemga, the House of Representatives contender condemned the attack, describing it as inhuman and a serious threat to the development of the area.
He stressed that the intervention was not politically motivated but driven by concern for the suffering of the victims.
“This gesture is not based on political ambition but on compassion for vulnerable people. I feel deeply troubled whenever I hear about attacks on our communities,” he said.
He urged governments at all levels and local authorities to collaborate with security agencies to bring an end to such attacks and restore peace to the area.
“The attack is condemnable and poses a serious threat to development. I call on government and security agencies to act decisively to prevent a recurrence and ensure lasting peace,” he added.
