More
than 200 people are taking refuge in Kuchiyako, in the Kuje Area
Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after fleeing from
suspected Fulani herders who destroyed their villages in Benue and
Nassarawa states.
The
refugees, who fled from Kaseyol and Gbajimba in Guma local government
of Benue State ,and Azer village in Kadarko, Kumar, Azara district of
Awe local government of Nassarawa State said they escaped when the
attackers took over their villages, with one family of seven boarding a
bus to Abuja leaving everything behind.
An
estate agent in Kuje, Prince Williams Nyiekaa, 35, has been housing 180
of the refugees in his house for the last three weeks, after he
returned to Kumar village to rescue his extended family and other
frightened villagers who were stranded and hiding in the bush jumped
unto his vehicle and refused to get down.
“Some
were crying and saying it is better for them to go and die of hunger
elsewhere than to stay and die by the guns and machetes of suspected
Fulani herders," he said.
Nearby
churches and well-wishers have been on hand to help him with food and
clothing, but he admits that looking after the 21 families has been the
toughest experience of his life.
He said
that he has written to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
and Kuje Area Council requesting for assistance and is hopeful that when
it comes the situation of the refugees will improve.
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