• Plateau youths tackle minister over insecurity
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has disclosed that no fewer than 3,160 persons have been displaced following the recent killings in Yelwa community of Benue State. He stated this during a live programme yesterday.
Yilwatda revealed that among the displaced were 810 school-age children, while about 48 homes and several shops and business centres were destroyed during the attack on the community.
The minister said his team carried out a comprehensive needs assessment in the affected community in collaboration with state authorities and international partners.
“We discovered that 3,160 people were displaced, including about 810 school-age children.“We also recorded the loss of about 48 homes, excluding shops and business centres that were destroyed,” he said.
ALSO, youths of Wase and Kanam council areas of Plateau State have challenged the “selective condemnation and favouritism” in addressing security challenges in the state.
In a strongly worded statement to Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the youngsters said as devoted members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), “We have consistently worked towards the success of our party. However, we cannot stand idly by in the face of injustice. We must voice our concerns when we witness unfair treatment.”
They said they wrote to express their frustration and disappointment regarding the perceived injustice, selfishness, and unfair treatment directed towards the people of Wase and Kanam Local Councils by him.
“Despite the significant efforts made by our leaders, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase and Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, to support your campaign during the 2023 general elections, we feel overlooked and betrayed.
“Wase and Kanam have historically been strongholds for the APC in our state. The contributions of these two local governments to your electoral success were substantial, even surpassing those from your own local government area. Yet, it is disheartening to see that, as the Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you have seemingly abandoned us in our time of need and critical situation by the same people that gave you votes,” they stressed.
