By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in partnership with Barnabas Aid, on Thursday has extended relief materials to no fewer than 1,000 households who are victims of insurgency in Bokkos and Mangu communities of Plateau State.
The intervention, which formed part of a broader relief mission to affected communities in Jos and its environs, targeted Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have remained in prolonged displacement following recurrent attacks, including the Christmas Eve assaults of 2023 that claimed hundreds of lives and destroyed homes and livelihoods.
Speaking during the distribution, the Chairman of Northern CAN reiterated the association’s concern over the persistent humanitarian situation in Plateau communities, stressing that beyond emergency relief, displaced persons urgently require sustainable government support, particularly in the areas of shelter, rehabilitation and livelihood restoration.
Hayab said that the gesture was part of its ongoing humanitarian outreach to displaced and vulnerable persons across the North, noting that victims in Kaduna, Makurdi and Akure received same kindness with each beneficiary receiving a 25kg bag of rice, beans, maize, garri, sugar, palm and groundnut oil, including food seasoning.
At St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Bokkos, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Paul Wape, of the Archdiocese of Pankshin, explained that IDPs currently under the care of the church arrived at different periods following waves of violence dating back from 2018 to 2023.
According to him, the largest influx followed the Christmas Eve attacks of 2023, during which several communities were invaded, leading to massive loss of lives and property.
“Those who came in 2023 were victims of the Christmas Eve attacks in many places. We lost so many people and properties, with over 200 persons killed at that time,” he said. “Those who survived are now taking refuge here in Bokkos. Some are staying within the parish, while others are living with relatives. That is how we have been managing.”
Fr. Wape expressed profound gratitude to Northern CAN and Barnabas Aid for the intervention, noting that many of the displaced persons currently have no homes or sources of livelihood, as their houses and means of survival were destroyed during the attacks.
“We lack words to express our sincere appreciation. We cannot repay them; only God can reward them,” he said, while calling on government authorities and well-meaning Nigerians to assist with permanent shelter, livelihood support and the establishment of trauma rehabilitation centres for victims suffering psychological distress.
He further disclosed that about 1,000 displaced children are currently under the care of the church community, adding that efforts are being made to keep them in school despite limited resources. He appealed for support to ensure their access to education and psychosocial care.
Also speaking, Pastor Gideon Idawe of the Christ Apostolic Church recounted his personal loss during the 2023 Christmas Eve attack, in which his pregnant wife and five children were burnt to death when their home was set ablaze.
“I was not around at the time. Before I returned, the ugly incident had already taken place. I lost everything,” he said.
Pastor Idawe described the relief materials provided by Northern CAN as a “miracle,” thanking the organisation for remembering victims who, years after the attacks, are still struggling to rebuild their lives.
“I am deeply grateful. May God bless Northern CAN for this huge gift,” he added.
The Plateau region has witnessed repeated cycles of violence over the years, resulting in widespread displacement across Bokkos, Mangu and neighbouring local government areas, with humanitarian groups continuing to fill critical gaps amid calls for more decisive state intervention.
The northern Christian leader was accompanied by Rev. Dr. Jona Samson who is the vice chairman of Northern CAN, Secretary General of Northern CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga and Director of Legal, Barr. Dr. Grace Kaka.
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