By Simon Ali Eleojo.
National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) in Aiyetoro Gbede Ijumu LGA of Kogi State last weekend delivered relief materials to some communities in Kogi West in Kogi State.
The event, which was witnessed by leaders of the affected communities, also had in attendance the Senator representing the zone, Sen. Dino Melaye who participated in the distribution of the materials.
There has been several clashes between Fulani herdsmen and the host community farmers which has led to many lost of lives and destruction of properties in the last three years, which has greatly affected the people.
Among the communities that was worse hit by the crises included Eggan-Katcha communal clash between Kogi and Niger state, Kakanda (Budan), Kupa Abugi and several other villages around Kupa district and some section of Okun land.
Meanwhile, some concern groups from the affected areas has frowned at the event, they said NEMA should have make Lokoja or Kabba has the distribution centre rather than a Senator home, which large spectrum of people misinterprets as the Senator’s empowerment programme.
Nma Nda Bugge, one of the leader of the group said they have written several letters to the State Authority and Abuja for assistance in the last two years without any input from political leaders.
He added “Although, the Senator presence was in other as the representative of the people, but distributing it from his home was wrong and should be condemn.
“We thank the federal government for bringing succor to our people at this time of hardship in the country, we appealed to the government to provide enough security to forestall any future occurrence.
“Also, we thank the state government under the able leadership of Alh Yahaya Bello for his concern for our area especially the ongoing efforts by the administration to give our area accessible road, we pledge our unflinching support to the present administration in the state” said the group’s head.
Among items distributed were blanket, mattresses, roofing zinc, beverages, cooking oil, rice and clothing fabrics.a
