Cross River to ‘repatriate’ Fulani herdsmen

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Top on the news today courtesy The Punch:

Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke says the state government will send back over 3,000 internally displaced Fulani herdsmen camping at Bagga, Besenge and Utanga communities in Obanliku Local Government Area of the state after completing arrangements with their respective state governments.

Imoke, who stated this late Tuesday when he visited the internally displaced persons, urged the host communities to accommodate other Nigerians who are in need, “especially those seeking refuge due to unforeseen circumstances”.

The internally displaced persons, who have taken refuge in the northern part of the state, are believed to be among those who fled Benue in the wake of the clash between Fulani herdsmen and Tiv groups recently, leading to the loss of many lives and property.

While describing the plight of the ‘refugees’ as “unfortunate”, Imoke said the government would discuss the modalities to transport them back home with Benue and Taraba states.

He said the State Emergency Management Agency had been directed to attend to the displaced persons by making available for them some relief materials.

The governor said government would ensure that tents were also made available for them.

He gave the assurance that a detachment of policemen would be deployed there to ensure safety of lives and property.

A spokesman for the displaced persons, who spoke through an interpreter Alhaji Yusuf Usman, said they fled their homeland in Takum, Taraba State because of inter-tribal war between the Fulani and the Tiv.

He said they initially moved to Katsina Ala in Benue State from where they fled to Obanliku after threats to their lives.

Abdullahi appealed t0 the state government to help them go back to their home state, saying they would be accepted by their people.

He applauded the state government for supplying foodstuffs, mattresses, mats and blankets.

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Simply Cheska...