The Taraba State Government, through the State Emergency Management Agency (TSEMA), is hosting hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled their homes in neighbouring Adamawa State following a protracted communal crisis.
The displaced persons, who are members of the Kwa community in Adamawa State, reportedly abandoned their homes amid escalating tensions and violence arising from a conflict between the Kpasham and Kwa communities.
As of the time of filing this report, the affected persons were taking refuge in Bwei Baba, Makko and Donadda communities in Donadda Ward of Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The development has created a humanitarian situation in the host communities, with families displaced by the conflict seeking safety and assistance across the border in Taraba State.
The communal crisis has reportedly resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of residents, forcing affected families to leave their communities in search of safer locations.
Following their arrival in Taraba, officials of TSEMA received the displaced persons as the state government commenced efforts to respond to their immediate humanitarian needs.
Speaking during the reception of the displaced persons, the Executive Secretary of TSEMA, Dr Echuseh Audu, said the agency was acting on behalf of the Taraba State Government to provide support to those affected by the crisis.
Audu assured the displaced persons that the government, under the leadership of Governor Agbu Kefas, was committed to protecting their lives and ensuring their welfare throughout their stay in the state.
She said, “The government would provide immediate humanitarian assistance to cushion the effects of the crisis and alleviate the hardship being experienced by the displaced families,” she assured the IDPs.
The TSEMA executive secretary urged the displaced persons to remain calm and assured them that relevant authorities would continue to monitor their situation and respond to their needs.
She also assured them that the state government would work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the humanitarian response was effectively coordinated.
Audu reaffirmed the commitment of the Taraba State Government to working closely with relevant government agencies, host communities and humanitarian stakeholders to address the immediate needs of the displaced persons.
“The welfare and protection of vulnerable people affected by crises remained a priority of the state government, particularly those compelled to flee their homes because of violence,” she said.
The TSEMA boss further stated that the agency would continue to assess the situation and identify the needs of the displaced population to ensure that appropriate assistance was provided.
She appealed for continued support from the host communities, acknowledging their role in providing shelter and assistance to the displaced persons at a critical time.
TSEMA also expressed appreciation to residents of Bwei Baba, Makko and Donadda for opening their communities to the displaced persons and supporting them pending further humanitarian interventions.
The agency said it would continue to coordinate the state’s response and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the displaced persons receive the necessary assistance while efforts towards resolving the crisis continue.
