The Gideon & Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation, along with the Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS), took a significant step to support the survivors of violence in Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria. On Saturday, 22nd July 2023, they visited the survivors who were taking refuge in a primary school that had been turned into an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp. This camp was providing shelter to more than 18,000 displaced persons who had been forced to flee their homes due to the violence.
The violence in Plateau State had resulted in a devastating loss of life, with more than 300 people killed in different communities over the past three months. The attacks were carried out by gunmen, causing immense suffering and displacement for the affected families.
To address the urgent needs of the displaced families in the IDP camp, The Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, through the Touching Lives for Peace Initiative project, made generous donations. The donations included a variety of essential items such as food supplies, clothes, mosquito nets, and mattresses. These contributions aimed to provide much-needed support and relief to the families who had lost their homes and belongings in the violence.
The efforts of the Gideon & Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation and CWEENS were significant in alleviating the hardships faced by the survivors, offering them hope and tangible assistance during this difficult time. Their actions demonstrated a commitment to peacebuilding and helping communities in distress.
By Nanji Nandang (CWEENS Nigeria)
Dirmichit Pyentam (CWEENS Nigeria) and Abigail Abok (The Gideon & Funmi Para-Mallam Peace
Foundation)