Buhari directs NEMA to commence assessment of communities damaged by herdsmen, others

The Federal Government has commenced efforts to rebuild communities in some parts of the country damaged following herdsmen and other criminal attacks.

Already, President Muhammadu Buhari is said to have directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to commence an assessment of the extent of damage in the affected communities.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, quoted him as disclosing this on Tuesday during the inaugural meeting of the recently composed Governing Council of NEMA at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“Mr. President has directed that we do a survey and assessment on the damage done to towns cities, communities that have been affected by violence in some parts of the country, including the farmers-herders clashes. NEMA will play a leading role in this and the Presidency will also provide direct support.

“We will involve the people in the affected communities, and not just bring people from outside these communities, in the rebuilding efforts. We will involve people in these villages, artisans and other people in the communities, with required skills so that they can also benefit economically as we rebuild these communities,” Osinbajo said.

Osinbajo had earlier during the monthly meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) on February 15, informed the council that President Buhari had approved the formation of a national committee to look into the rebuilding of communities affected by the violence in the affected states.

He had then noted that the development was in line with the Buhari administration’s commitment towards finding permanent solutions to the herdsmen-farmers clashes in some parts of the country, and ensuring the peace.

READ ALSO: MAIDUGURI: Several dead, many others injured in deadly Boko Haram attack

The Vice President further urged the agency to devote more to public sensitization regarding matters of emergency in the country and what the public needs to do in such circumstances, adding that NEMA should engage stakeholders more to participate in addressing its responsibilities, including the private sector and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The Vice President, who is the chairman of the Governing Council, had therefore during the Tuesday’s inaugural meeting of the committee, congratulated the new members and expressed the hope that the board would continue to be committed to the task ahead, adding that NEMA has been very visible in its role.
He added, “NEMA has been taking on assignments even beyond its mandate. This is a responsibility that we must take seriously.”

 

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