The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says it is working with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) to supply food, sleeping materials, clothes as well as kitchen and hygiene items to families displaced in the latest round of violence in Nigeria’s north-central state of Plateau.
Aid workers hope to reach more than 22,000 people displaced in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas, Plateau state.
“Among them, we prioritised women, people with disabilities, and households that are headed by children,” said Lene Groenkjaer, the ICRC delegate in charge of the ICRC programmes in Plateau state.
Tens of thousands of people fled their homes after the most recent spat in armed violence in June 2018. Hundreds have been killed and injured, while some areas were left in ruins.
Most of the displaced women, children and elderly are staying in congested impromptu camps where they arrived with whatever they could carry—and often with nothing.
Some are being hosted by local families, who are also struggling to make do with scarce resources.
“All assistance provided by the Red Cross is distributed directly to the affected persons regardless of their religion, tribe or political affiliations and is given free of charge”, added Groenkjaer.
Each household is registered for assistance through a rigorous assessment process. After a discussion with the communities, it was decided that the ICRC will provide rice, beans, condiments and one month’s supply of a nutrition supplement.
They will also receive blankets, mosquito nets, mats, tarpaulin, kitchen sets and clothing in an effort to improve their current living conditions.
