The Aliko Dangote Foundation on Monday donated food items worth millions of Naira to support about 30, 000 Internally Displaced Persons in Zamfara State.
Mr Anthony Chiejina, Group Head, Corporate Communications in a statement said that the banditry in the state had displaced thousands, many of whom were currently seeking refuge at Maradun Local Government Area of the State.
WikkiTimes’ investigation has documented the catastrophic situation of IDPs, in which Villagers directly affected by the crisis, members of vigilante and civil society groups have pointed accusing fingers on traditional rulers, some police officers and the state governor’s former aid on security matters for aiding and abetting the attacks.
Mr Anthony said that official reports showed that over 3,000 people were killed, about 100,000 displaced, of which about 30,000 are in Maradun LG, and over 500 people kidnapped.
Mr Mansur Ahmed, Group Executive Director, Government Relations and Strategic Relations, who presented the food items on behalf of the Group President, Aliko Dangote, said the Foundation was supporting the Government and Traditional Leaders in meeting the needs of the IDPs.
Mansur said that Dangote was disturbed about the plight of the displaced persons and quickly directed that everything possible be done to provide succor to them.
He said that the company was building a 200, 000 tons capacity rice mill in Maradun, and would create hundreds of job opportunities for the people of Zamfara State when completed.
He recalled that the Foundation had also injected over N7 billion to create succor in the North East in the wake of the Boko Haram insurgency.
The Emir of Maradun, Muhammad Tambari, said he was highly elated as the company was the first to intervene by providing food support for displaced persons in the state.
He commended Dangote for the gesture and promised to help secure his investment in his domin.
Alhaji Yahaya Maradun, Chairman, Maradun Local Government thanked the Dangote Foundation for the gesture and prayed for continuous growth of the business.
