Taraba govt 'blocked' distribution of food items to IDPs -- Minister

Hungry internally displaced persons camped in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Tuesday broke down in tears after the minister of women affairs, Aisha Alhassan, told them that the state government had prevented her from distributing food items meant for them.

Mrs. Alhassan, who arrived her home state on Friday to distribute federal government relief materials to IDPs, women groups and physically-challenged persons, said the state government refused to release the items.

The minister told hundreds of IDPs that she was not allowed access to the grains that were shipped in by 10 trailer trucks.

Hundreds of IDPs who came from across the 16 local governments of Taraba state had gathered on Tuesday at the premises of Federal Science and Technical College, Jalingo, for the distribution.

They left empty-handed after being told the state government under whose custody it was kept refused to release them.

“On behalf of Mr. President, let me first thank all the IDPs for investing your time to wait for the relief items, I want to urge you to remain law-abiding.

“The era of impunity is over, and I want to assure you that the Federal Government will not take (this) kindly,’’ she said.

Contacted, Sylvanus Giwa, spokesperson for the state governor, Darius Ishaku, said “the minister is rude and due process was not followed. We expected her to accord the state government due respect; but she had refused to even recognize the fact that there is a sitting governor in the state”.