Plateau distributes ₦1.5bn to households affected by attacks

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has begun distributing ₦1.5 billion in humanitarian support to 1,571 households affected by violent attacks, Channels Television reports. The beneficiaries are from Bassa, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas. The funds were formally disbursed to verified beneficiaries at Victoria Gowon Hall, Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, on Monday.

The package includes ₦1 billion donated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, and ₦500 million contributed by the Plateau State Government. Mutfwang said the first phase would provide direct financial assistance, while later interventions would support community recovery and rebuilding. Sam Godongs, director-general of the Directorate of Research at Government House, said beneficiaries were selected through identification and verification involving affected councils and other stakeholders.

He said the process considered household information, losses and relevant documentation. Mutfwang said his administration would work with communities, traditional institutions and security agencies to support safe returns, rebuild displaced communities and restore livelihoods when conditions permit. APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda urged recipients to invest the money in businesses and cooperatives.

A second phase will focus on priorities identified by affected communities through their local councils.