In response to the recent violent attacks in parts of Bassa and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State, PLAN International Nigeria has provided emergency relief to affected communities. The intervention reached 1,850 households with lifesaving supplies to support families who lost loved ones and property during the crisis. Participants were drawn from communities including Daffo, Hurti, Manguna, Mangor, Ruwi, and Tadai in Bokkos LGA, as well as Zike, Kwall, Hwara, and Kimapka in Bassa LGA.
This 45-day emergency response is funded by Start Network and implemented in partnership with Christian Aid, CAFOD, and JDPC. The focus is on providing Protection and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services to affected families. The relief included the distribution of dignity kits and WASH kits designed to help families maintain hygiene and live with dignity amid difficult conditions.
PLAN International Nigeria reported that 1,850 households benefited from WASH items, while 1,100 women and adolescent girls received dignity kits. Additionally, 500 individuals—270 women and 230 men—are set to receive psychosocial first aid and trauma counseling to assist survivors in coping with the emotional trauma caused by the attacks and displacement.
Mr. Yunusa John Obetulle, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator with PLAN International Nigeria, said their response is grounded in supporting women and girls affected by conflict. “Our intervention targets communities in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs with urgent WASH and protection assistance,” he explained. “Most of what we distribute focuses on women and girls, including dignity kits and WASH kits containing buckets, kettles, bathing soap, detergent, and laundry soap to help families stay clean in their temporary settlements.”
He also described the distribution process as highly organized, involving sensitization, verification, and token issuance to ensure transparency and order. He praised community leaders for their cooperation despite challenges such as difficult access and bad weather. “We have completed 35 days of this 45-day project, with over 989 beneficiaries served in just four communities in Bassa alone,” he noted.
Mrs. Damaris Philemon, Gender Equality, Inclusion, and Protection Officer, highlighted the critical role of trauma counseling for those affected by violence. “Many survivors experience deep emotional shock and distress after witnessing loss and destruction,” she said. “If not addressed early, this trauma can cause long-term mental health problems.”
To address this, PLAN International has trained community members to provide Psychological First Aid, creating safe spaces for survivors to share their experiences and learn coping skills. “Peer-to-peer interaction is crucial because survivors often feel more comfortable opening up to others who have endured similar hardships,” Mrs. Philemon added. She explained that group discussions and hobbies like music help prevent isolation and mental relapse.
With sustainability in mind, local facilitators have been trained to continue psychosocial support beyond the project’s duration, ensuring ongoing help even after external agencies leave. Early feedback shows this approach is helping survivors regain hope and a sense of normalcy.
Residents of the affected communities expressed deep appreciation for the intervention. Christiana Friday from Gabia community said the relief items including a bag, bucket, wrapper, soaps, detergent, slippers, sanitary pads etc, are a lifesaver for her household after losing everything in the crisis.
Ali Hwara of Kimapka community shared that the equipment provided will also assist him on his farmland, helping him rebuild his livelihood.
Janet Monday from Kimapka praised PLAN International Nigeria for supplying essential items she previously lacked, such as wrappers, mats, buckets, Keck, bowls, detergent, soaps, and sanitary pads.
The intervention by PLAN International Nigeria has brought much-needed relief and hope, empowering residents with essential materials and emotional support to rebuild their lives and restore their dignity.
