By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
The United Farmers Association Kadarko (UFAK) has appealed to the Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule to approve the hosting and reception, including supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) with relief materials to enable them restart livelihood.
President of the group, Chief Dennis Gbongbon whose appeal conveyed in a letter through the Emir of Lafia, Sidi Bage, to the governor which a copy was made available to journalists yesterday in Makurdi, revealed that the association has slated 10 January by 12:00 pm to flag- off the ceremony for the return of IDPs of Nasarawa extraction taking refuge at the Makurdi International Market Benue State back to Kadarko in Nasarawa State.
“Our collective resolve to start the process of returning our members affected by the 13th June 2025 Yelewata invasion currently taking refuge at Makurdi International Market IDP camp to Kadarko as host community is temporary, pending formal arrangement by Governor Sule to permanently resettle the farmers in their communities” Gbongbon said.
He further explained that the decision to commence the process of returning the IDPs is reached due to the poor and dehumanizing conditions experienced by the IDPs living in camps far away from their homes, adding that taking the IDPs back to their ancestral homes would prevent abuse of children, exploitation of women and girls.
Gbongbon further argued that taking the IDPs back will be more decent for them since they would be living within their host communities as well as begin preparation for recovery from losses.
The president on behalf of the group commended Governor Sule and the Emir of Lafia for fatherly love and for working tirelessly with other stakeholders to ensure the return of peace in the region.
He also appealed to Governor Sule to organize a reception to welcome the vulnerable subjects back home as well as show fatherly love to them through provision of relief materials, acknowledging that the governor’s generosity and humanitarian support is always appreciated.
Gbongbon equally called on the governor to extend his kindness to the United Farmers Association, Kadarko by donating a bus to them or any other means to aid in transporting his vulnerable subjects currently taking refuge at IDP camp in Benue state, back home in their temporar place Kadarko, Nasarawa State.
