NW and Adamawa regions:

Fulani refugees crying out for help in Nwa, Atta

By Kiven Brenda & Njodzefe Nestor in B’da

Fulani refugees crying out for help in Nwa, Atta

The localities of Nwa in the North West and Atta in the Adamawa regions now play host to over 6000 Nigerian refugees following fresh ethnic crisis that erupted between the Mambila and Fulani tribes in Sardauna Local Government area, Taraba State, Nigeria over land issues on June 21, 2017.

                These refugees who are predominantly indigenous Mbororo Fulanis have lost their cattle, family members and valuable property trekked long distances into the Cameroonian border towns and have since then been living under harsh conditions.

                In Atta which now has three camps in the Adamawa region, the refugees are living in abandoned structures, uncompleted buildings with the lucky few receiving accommodation from Cameroonians of good will.

                Narrating how he and his wives and children narrowly escaped death to journalists, 72 years old Alhadji Ibrahim grieved at the the death of his other family members and tribe’s men who were brutally butchered by the Mambila militia.

                Alhadji Ibrahim just like other Fulani men bemoaned the loss of their cattle which they say is their main source of income.

                Recounting her ordeal, 37 year old Ajara said she was preparing a meal for her family and heard a commotion and then guns, and stones. She saw her elder brother butchered in cold blood yet she couldn’t do anything to help.

                She appreciated the Cameroonians for their hospitality towards and some NGOs food and accommodation but cried for basic female needs and also accommodation since at least 15 of them share a single room.

                With no available help from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees nor the Cameroonian government, the Mbororo Cultural and Development Association MBOSCUDA has been at the help of these refugees.

                According to Mohammed Bahoro Abubakar of MBOSCUDA they have been supporting the refugees with food and clothing with the help of other Mbororos in Cameroon especially the North West Region.

                According to Mr. Abubakar, those who suffered burns during the attack as well as those who suffered from all other illnesses have been receiving treatment at the two existing health centres in Atta.

                MBOSCUDA has solicited the assistance of the Cameroon Government, UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) and other development partners to help in salvaging the deplorable situation of the refugees and also praying the Nigerian government should seek a definite solution to the crisis.