BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Maiduguri
The Northern Christian Association (NCA), in collaboration with Barnabas Aid UK, has distributed relief materials to 1,000 displaced households in Borno State to ease hardship among victims of insurgency.
The beneficiaries, mostly persons affected by the Boko Haram conflict, are currently taking shelter in camps and host communities within Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
Speaking during the flag-off of the distribution at Pentecostal Believers Covenant Church, Gomari Airport, Maiduguri, Chairman of the association, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, said the intervention was part of sustained efforts to support vulnerable families in the North-East.
He noted that the gesture, which began in December last year, had earlier been extended to displaced persons in Kaduna, Benue, Plateau and Ondo states.
According to him, items distributed included 25kg bags of rice, beans, maize, garri, vegetable oil, palm oil, salt, matches and other essential food items.
Hayab, who expressed concern over the living conditions in some camps visited, urged beneficiaries to remain hopeful and ensure equitable sharing of the items regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
He also commended Barnabas Aid UK for what he described as consistent humanitarian support to affected communities, saying the partnership demonstrated compassion and solidarity with victims of violence.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of NCA and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North-East zone, Bishop Mohammed Naga, said the items would be fairly distributed, commending the donors for their intervention.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mr Andrawus Bzalava, who spoke on behalf of the District Head of Gava, and a widow, Naomi Daniel, expressed appreciation to the organisers, praying for lasting peace in Borno State and across Nigeria.
