International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Wednesday confirmed the commencement of distribution of relief materials to about 22,000 persons displaced by violence in Plateau.
Miss Esther Eleojo, the Media Officer of ICRC, disclosed this in a telephone interview.
She said that the distribution, which started on July 9, was in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS).
Eleojo added that the organisations would be distributing food items, household items, clothes and hygiene materials to people of Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South local government areas of Plateau.
She said “we have so far distributed relief materials to 1,815 households and 10,890 individuals in Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas.
“In the coming week, 1,489 households and 8,934 individuals will be assisted in Barkin Ladi and Bokkos local government areas.
“However, in the course of distribution, more camps of displaced persons were discovered and registration is ongoing for disbursement of more relief materials,’’ she said.
Ms Lene Groenkjaer, the ICRC Delegate in Plateau had earlier said that “tens of thousands of people fled their homes after the June 23 armed violence in the three local government areas of the state.
“Hundreds have been killed and injured, while some left in ruins, most displaced women, children and elderly are staying in congested impromptu camps.
“Some are being hosted by local families, who are also struggling to make do with scarce resources.
“However, we prioritised women, people with disabilities and households that are headed by children.”
Groenkjaer said that each household was registered for assistance after assessment.
She explained that after several discussions with the communities, ICRC would be providing rice, beans, condiments and one month’s supply of nutritional supplements to displaced families and vulnerable people.
She mentioned that households would receive blankets, mosquito nets, mats, tarpaulin, kitchen sets and clothing to improve their current living conditions.
Groenkjaer said that in improving sanitation and hygiene of the displaced persons, ICRC would also be distributing soaps and create hand-washing stations and latrines.
She stressed that all assistance provided would be distributed directly to the affected persons free of charge, regardless of their religion, ethnic or political affiliations. (NAN)
