The Federal Government has initiated the immediate deployment of relief materials, including food and non-food items, to communities and survivors affected by the Christmas eve attacks carried out by armed gunmen in Plateau State.

Dr. Betta Edu, Nigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, made this announcement during a press briefing in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.

Accompanied by the Minister of Defence and the Service Chiefs, Edu visited the affected communities to assess the situation firsthand and coordinate humanitarian responses. She also visited churches and internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps, where she observed a moment of silence for the deceased and addressed the worshippers and victims who sought refuge after the attacks. Edu assured them of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to providing lasting solutions in terms of security and resettlement for the state’s residents.

The Minister stated that relief materials would be made available promptly, in accordance with the presidential directive. She emphasized that durable solutions would be provided to help the affected individuals rebuild their lives and return to their ancestral homes. Edu also mentioned that her ministry would collaborate with the Nigerian Military and the Plateau State Government to facilitate the distribution of relief materials.

She said, “The President has instructed us to come to Plateau State to assess the situation on the ground. He has also directed the immediate deployment of relief materials, including food items like rice, grains, vegetable oil, as well as non-food items such as mattresses, clothes, blankets, and other personal effects they will need. We are also planning for more sustainable solutions to their needs, enabling them to go back to their ancestral homes.”

The attacks on Christmas eve resulted in the massacre of over 100 people in approximately 15 communities across Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Bokkos local government areas of Plateau State. The gunmen also set fire to nearly 100 houses, which drew condemnation from around the world.

During the visit, Minister of State Defense, Muhammed Bello Matawalle, along with the service chiefs from the Airforce, Army, and Navy, assured the people and government of Plateau State of their protection. Governor Caleb Mutfwang briefed the ministers and service chiefs on the situation in a closed-door meeting.