Eden Initiative Champions Rebuilding of Destroyed Communities in Plateau State

By Timothy Alamba

A nongovernmental organization known as Eden Initiative for Humanitarian Support has taken a bold step to start rebuilding destroyed communities by terrorists in Plateau state.

Speaking during the foundation laying ceremony of the pilot phase of the rebuilding project in Ribakwa village Bassa LGA, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the organization and former COCIN President, Rev. Prof. Pandang Yamsat said the rebuilding is a joint project between the organization and the community who provided the land through the Irigwe traditional Council and will also contribute through manual labour on the site.

He said the first phase of the project will witness the erections of one hundred 2 and 3 bedroom units for the resettlement of 100 displaced families; Apart from a double stream primary school, a clinic/trauma centre and a chief’s palace that are also included in the plan. Services to be provided include water supply via two motorize borehole, electricity supply via national grid, solar propelled street light and five kilometers of surface dress finished road.

According to him the foundation laying ceremony brought into reality what started as a meeting of concern individuals regarding the years of despondency that has accompanied years of attacks on communities in Plateau state. He said the initiative which is guided by a ten man board of trustees was established and registered on the 5th of June 2025 with the aim of providing a sustainable solution to displaced communities in Plateau state.

He used to occasion to call on the government, corporate organizations and spirited individuals to support Eden initiative in its quest to resettle displaced persons not just in Bassa but to replicate the same project in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Riyom LGAs that have witnessed series of attacks by Fulani terrorists and so many communities destroyed.

While stressing the need and urgency of the project Rev. Prof. Yamsat made reference to the report of the State government’s Task Force for the Resettlement of IDPs in Plateau State which showed that 151 communities and 9,095 families were displaced across the five most affected local governments as at June 2024 when the report was submitted.

The Governor of Plateau state, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang in his speech while performing the official foundation laying for the project commended the board members of Eden Initiative whom he described as men of integrity who are trust worthy. According to him, like Nehemiah in the Bible they are troubled by the condition of their brothers who have been displaced as a result of terrorists’ attacks. He expressed confidence that they will bring Eden not just to Bassa but all the affected local governments in the state because God is with anyone who arise to address the plight of the vulnerable.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to resettle the internally displaced persons in the state especially those who have been displaced for more than 10 years now assuring them that God can turn their captivity in one day as succor will soon come their way. The Governor went on to appreciate the Irigwe traditional council for providing the land and encouraged the people to also contribute towards the success of the project.

In his welcome remarks, the Chairman Bassa local government area, Dr. Joshua Sunday Riti in his welcome address described the event as a significant milestone in their collective journey towards peace and development in Bassa LGA. While commending the initiators of the project he said it is not just a symbol of hope and renewal but also a testament to the unwavering commitment of the state government to improve the lives of its citizens. He went on to commend the Governor for his dedication in fostering unity in the state which gives them courage and optimism to look forward to a brighter future.

While presenting his goodwill message the Brra Nggwe Irigwe, Rev. Ronku Aka said they are in support of the project and pray God to bless the Eden Initiative for their kind gesture towards his subjects who have been displaced and pledge the traditional council’s support for the laudable initiative. He also used the opportunity to assure the governor of their unflinching loyalty to his administration.

Similarly, the Gwom Rwei of Ropp and Chairman Barkin Ladi traditional council, Da Edward Gyang Bot in his goodwill message commended the initiators of the project and expressed gratitude in advance as he learn that the project will also be replicated in his domain going by what his people have been through in the hands of Fulani terrorists.