300 families in Miango community, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, have received ₦100,000 cash each and essential household items from the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), to help them rebuild their lives after violent attacks displaced many residents.
The distribution, which took place on Tuesday, November 11, was both emotional and hopeful as displaced families gathered to receive items such as mats, mosquito nets, blankets, aqua tabs for water purification, cooking utensils, buckets, soap, and ATM cards preloaded with ₦100,000 each.
Speaking during the exercise, Razaki Unusa, the Team Lead and Disaster Management Officer of the NRCS Plateau branch, said the Red Cross is guided by its humanitarian vision to help those unable to help themselves.
“The Red Cross is an organization with the vision to help humanity — giving a hand to those who can’t help themselves. We are here in Bassa LGA to give relief to victims of attacks, and the beneficiaries consist of those most affected, like pregnant women, widows, the aged, persons with disabilities, and those who have lost all members of their families,” he explained.
“Before we brought this relief, we interacted with them to know what they need most and realized that many lost their homes and have nowhere to sleep. That’s why we provided mats, blankets, and mosquito nets. There’s also the issue of clean water, which is why we included aqua tabs. The ₦100,000 is meant to help them settle other needs we couldn’t cover,” he added.
“This is the little we can do with the help of our funding partner, the IFRC. From this intervention, we’ve seen the end result of conflict and how deeply it affects people. We are calling on the international community and the government to help initiate peace so that peaceful coexistence can take root and we no longer have people suffering these consequences.”
Also speaking, Patience Adaje, Senior Officer for Nature-Based Solutions at the IFRC, said the organization’s goal is to support displaced persons in recovering from the trauma and losses they have suffered.
“Our aim is to help the community, especially the displaced persons, to recover from the losses and displacement they’ve gone through,” she stated.
Community leaders of the Miango community expressed deep appreciation to the Red Cross for their timely intervention.
Meangwa of Tegbe District, Sunday Yara, said:
“You know as leaders, when things like this happen, it pains you and you won’t know what to do — whether to console your people or mourn yourself. But Red Cross has found a way to console us.”
Another community head, Meangwa Tomos Ganson, added:
“What has happened in our community is very painful; almost everybody was affected. Houses were burnt, farms destroyed, and now we are trying to rebuild our lives. These things given to us by Red Cross will really help all of us. Thank you Red Cross, and we hope and pray they reach other communities too — and that these killings will stop.”
From the religious community, Pastor Sunday Wollo of RCCG Tegbe shared his gratitude:
“If you check our church, you’ll see it empty because these people came, killed, and attacked us. My church members were killed. The Bible says, ‘Cry to the Lord and He will send you help,’ and God has sent us Red Cross. Even though it won’t bring back all we have lost, it will help us to get by. Many lost their homes, properties, and families, but at least with these mats and money, they have something to lie on and something to eat.”
Similarly, Pastor Zanfara Zerechi of Ancha district shared his personal tragedy:
“I lost my only son to this unprovoked attack. He was killed in broad daylight on his way to the farm, leaving behind his wife and son for me to care for. It hasn’t been easy at all, so I want to thank Red Cross for providing for us. This ₦100,000 is going to help a lot.”
Some beneficiaries, including Ladi Sunday from Tegbe district and Jumia Barry from Ancha district, expressed joy, saying they had regained hope.
Jumia, whose elder brother and breadwinner was killed, said she was grateful for the support. Both women were seen dancing and singing throughout the distribution, even before receiving their items, and rejoiced even more after collecting them.
Sunday Tsi, leader of the CRC Community Resilience Committee, commended the Red Cross for its transparent and inclusive process.
“When Red Cross came to our community, they told us they wanted to help and gave us categories of displaced persons — the aged, nursing and lactating mothers, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, widows, and orphans. They listened to them, asked questions, and captured the most affected. Today, they are here as promised, and we are really grateful they carried us along in the process.”
Among the beneficiaries, Grace Sunday from Tegbe shared her heartbreaking story:
“My mother and the girl staying with us were burnt to death in the first attack. Then in another attack, I lost my husband, and my daughter’s hand was cut off. Our land was destroyed, and it hasn’t been easy. I will use this money to start a business. I’m so grateful to Red Cross and to God for bringing you. May you continue to prosper.”
Another beneficiary, Mary Moses, was full of excitement, taking selfies after receiving her items.
“During one of the attacks, my mother and father were killed, and since then, I’ve been on my own. I’m very happy; I’m going to use everything well. I’ll do business and try to go to school. Thank you Red Cross, I’m very happy. These numbers you gave us — when we call, it will be to say thank you, not for anything bad. Only good news. Thank you oh!”
Gastos Sunday also expressed gratitude amid memories of loss:
“What happened to us is not to our liking, and that’s why sometimes when things like this are brought to us, you see us crying because we remember our losses. If this wickedness wasn’t done to us, we wouldn’t be receiving this. But we are indeed very grateful to Red Cross. When they first came and told us they would help, some of us didn’t believe, but they kept to their words. Today, they brought all this — we are very grateful. Thank you very much, may God provide for all the international people helping us and the Nigerian Red Cross. We also pray that these attacks won’t happen again.”
Another survivor, Laraba Yohanna, said tearfully:
“I have no one — I lost my parents and children in these attacks. But today, with the help of Red Cross, ah, Red Cross, thank you. I thank you. Where you are taking from will not dry. Thank you.”
Other beneficiaries, including Afiniki Joseph, Mats Danladi, Asebe James, and Eve Barry, also offered heartfelt prayers and thanks to the Red Cross team.
A representative of the Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) focal point, Plateau branch, noted that the exercise was smooth and impactful.
“The beneficiaries of this intervention are indeed the most affected displaced persons. The items given to them are truly what they need, and their excitement shows that. The distribution process has been orderly, sincere, and smooth, with cooperation from both the people and the Red Cross.”
Gift Reshi Azamu, a volunteer with the NRCS, described the experience as both humbling and transformative.
“It’s been a privilege to work with the Nigerian Red Cross Plateau chapter. This has helped me relate more to the realities of conflict. Most times, you hear about attacks on radio and television, but being here, you see what people go through. I’ve learned that choosing peace is the best because these people are going through a lot. But today, I can say this intervention is very helpful — look at the smiles on their faces. They were dancing and even crying earlier. I hope more of these interventions keep coming. Humanity first! We really appreciate the Red Cross — it’s an honor working with them.”