The Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of Pankshin Diocese in Plateau State has, on behalf of the Catholic Bishop of Pankshin, Michael Gokum, and with the support of Catholic Caritas Commission, donated items worth N2.5 million to the Internally Displaced persons(IDPs) camped in Pankshin and nearby refugee camps.
Items donated include foods, blankets, buckets, beverages, sleeping mats and clothing.
According to reports, the core beneficiaries of the gesture were persons displaced from the North East taking refuge in Kanem and Kanke local government areas of the state. It was reported that the bishop’s gesture was part of his humanitarian service and that of all Catholics in Pankshin. Besides, Gokum added that the gesture was a show of love, concern and to identify with the IDPs.
“The condition of these IDPs is so pathetic that it needs the urgent attention of groups and spirited individuals to help in ameliorating the sufferings of these our brothers and sisters.
“This is what informed my decision to donate these items which were gathered from our various parishes and other individuals, with the strong support from Catholic Caritas Commission,” Gokum said.
He stressed that the items donated were not meant for Catholic members nor for Christians alone.
“We are all God’s creatures, and so, what we are donating today will not only be distributed among Christians alone,” he said.
The bishop assured the IDPs that their stay at the various camps was temporary, as government was intensifying efforts to ensure that peace returns to their communities.
In his remark, JDPC coordinator of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Basil Kassam, said one of the cardinal objectives of JDPC was hinged on alleviating the sufferings of the less-privileged in the society.
“What we are giving you today may not take away your sufferings and level of poverty completely, but just to sympathise and support you.
“We are here to ameliorate your pains and sufferings, and to solicit more support from both home and international governments to come to the aid of people like you who are displaced from their original homes,” Kassam asserted.
He thanked the bishop, individuals and organisations who made donations to support the refugees.