By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The former Managing Director of Taraba State Investment and Property Limited, Hon. Chief Iliya Ezekiel, on Saturday donated food items worth over ₦10 million to displaced communities of Ugodo in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Presenting the relief materials to the internally displaced persons (IDPs), the House of Representatives hopeful for Donga, Takum and Ussa Federal Constituency said the gesture was driven by compassion and concern for vulnerable persons, not political ambition.
Chief Iliya, who was represented by Hon. Terzungwe Akaayue, Amoamo Shundan and Victor Salemga, condemned the attack that led to the displacement of the communities, describing it as inhuman and a serious threat to the development of the area.
“This gesture is not based on any political desire but on my feelings for vulnerable people. I feel deeply saddened whenever I receive news of insecurity and attacks on innocent citizens. I call on the government to urgently intervene and ensure the safe return of the displaced population,” he said.
He further described the attack as condemnable, urging the government at all levels, as well as local authorities, to collaborate with security agencies to put a total end to such occurrences.
In their separate responses, community leaders including Tyoor Mbayam; HRH Zaki Stephen Nderaamo; Tyoor Mbashaa; HRH Zaki Moses Elnan; and Tyoor Mbadyugh, HRH Zaki Tsaaga Tyokirgh, who received the relief materials on behalf of the communities, described the donation as the first of its kind since their displacement.
They appealed to the government and other well-meaning individuals to emulate Chief Iliya’s philanthropic gesture by supporting vulnerable and displaced persons.
The traditional leaders described Chief Iliya’s action as a demonstration of genuine empathy that deserves divine reward and pledged their support for his political ambition in appreciation of his kindness to the displaced communities.
The PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that armed herdsmen last Monday attacked Ugodo community in Donga LGA, killing the councillor representing Akete Ward and 12 others.
