Angry IDPs attack Nasarawa governor with stones

Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and his convoy were today attacked by some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Agwatashi, Obi local government area of the state.

Al-Makura had visited the camp with security chiefs in the state to assess situation arising from the killing of 32 persons by suspected herdsmen.

It was gathered that when the governor came up to address the IDPs, some youths in the camp became unruly and started chanting different slogans which prompted the governor to leave the camp.

On his way out, the youths began pelting the governor’s convoy with stones, compelling the police to disperse them with tear gas.

Al-Makura said the situation emanated from frustration as a result of the challenges the IDPs faced.

“The reaction from the people is understandable given their plight and we have to use diplomacy to address the issues,” he said.

“Continuing to address them at the moment would not yield any result so we have decided to avoid further altercation. However, this action appears to indicate that the problems in some of these communities are self-inflicted.

“If people can conduct themselves in this way, then you know that there is more to it than what is happening.”
However, the governor advised the leaders of the communities to caution their subjects against mob actions and disrespect for law and order.

“If you will want to take laws into your own hands, you will be left to defend yourselves,” he said.

“However as a responsible government desirous of protecting lives and property, we shall explore all avenues to ensure the safety of the people.”

He directed the chairmen of the affected local government areas to take stock of the people displaced with a view to providing relief material to them.