The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), on Monday, November 10, flagged off the distribution of relief materials and financial assistance to over 300 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Each beneficiary received a registered ATM card loaded with ₦100,000 to support their reintegration, alongside essential household items such as mats, mosquito nets, blankets, aqua tabs for water purification, cooking pots, utensils, frying pans, bowls, soap, jerricans, and buckets.
The flag-off ceremony, which took place in Riyom, drew the presence of traditional rulers, local government officials, security heads, and community leaders. Among those in attendance were the Chairman of Riyom LGA, HRH Dara Samuel Jok, the Gomre of Riyom, and representatives from various security agencies.
In his welcome address, Rev. Davou Daka, a member of the Community Resilience Corps Committee, expressed gratitude to the Red Cross and IFRC donors for extending a hand of support to the displaced residents.
Speaking at the event, the NRCS Training Officer, Plateau Branch, explained that the gesture aimed to help displaced persons rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
“The purpose of giving the relief is to help people pick up and reintegrate into society,” he said. “The token, though small, can go a long way in decongesting camps and revitalizing the communities economically and socially.”
The NRCS Information Officer, Mafeng Mark, emphasized the organization’s neutrality, noting that interventions are non-political and non-religious.
“The Red Cross has no political or religious affiliation; our interventions are open to all,” he stated. “This initiative, funded by the IFRC, was designed based on feedback from our previous outreach. We hope this effort brings some relief amid the hardship faced by displaced persons.”
Representing security agencies, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) commended the Red Cross for their support and called for continued cooperation between residents and security operatives.
“We will continue to do our best to safeguard our communities,” he assured. “But we need your cooperation—when you see something, say something.”
In his remarks, HRH Dara Samuel Jok, the Gomre of Riyom, lauded the Red Cross and IFRC for their humanitarian efforts, praying that future gatherings would be in celebration of full resettlement rather than displacement.
“No matter how comfortable an IDP camp may be, it is not your home,” he said. “The Red Cross has shown us a way to rebuild our homes and reclaim our dignity.”
The Acting Disaster Management Officer of the NRCS Plateau Branch, Yusuf Ibrahim, noted that the beneficiaries were selected through community-based volunteers who identified the most affected households.
“There is joy in serving humanity, especially when you see the smiles on people’s faces,” he added.
Highlights of the event included the decoration of the Riyom LGA Chairman as a patron of the NRCS, presentation of indigenous names—Simi (meaning “Love”) and Fel (meaning “Thank You”)—to IFRC donors by the traditional council, distribution of relief materials, cultural dance displays, and a poem recitation by children who had benefited from Red Cross psychosocial support programs.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Riyom LGA expressed mixed feelings over the event, noting that while the people were grateful for the support, the circumstances that led to their displacement remained painful.
“We are not happy to be here because this gathering is a result of insecurity,” he said. “But today, we are thankful because the Red Cross has given us the chance to start again. Riyom has the highest number of IDPs in the state, and this intervention gives us hope to move forward.”
Some beneficiaries also shared their joy and relief.
Kangang Samson, one of the recipients, said the cash gift would help him offset his son’s hospital bills following an attack that left the boy badly burned.
“The ₦100,000 will help me pay the remaining ₦50,000 hospital balance and also cover school fees,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Chundung Danladi, who lost her children during the crisis, expressed deep gratitude.
“This is the first money I’ve received since the killings,” she said tearfully. “The Red Cross has truly helped me. May God bless them.”
Envou Markus stated that the support would enable him to return to farming, while Tep Bitrus described the Red Cross as “selfless people who came to our aid even though they have no relation to us.”
The distribution marks another step in the ongoing efforts by humanitarian organizations to restore hope and stability among communities affected by violence in Plateau State.
