Irigwe Women Reveal Devastating Impact of Attacks in Bassa LGA

The Women Wing of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA) has revealed the devastating toll of persistent attacks in Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa LGA, Plateau State, stating that 452 women have been widowed as a result of the violence in recent years.

The group further disclosed that the attacks have displaced 1,788 women from their means of livelihood, while 490 families have lost their breadwinners, leaving 8,744 children orphaned.

Speaking at the inaugural "Out Mburu Rigwe" (Irigwe Women's Day) celebration in Miango, Bassa LGA, the IDA Women Wing President, Mrs. Mary Dickphar, highlighted the staggering impact of the insecurity.

“Upon assuming office in May 2024, we conducted a survey and found that:

• 452 widows lost their husbands to attacks, bringing the total number of widows in the chiefdom to 1,752.
• 1,788 women lost their sources of livelihood due to the unrest.
• 490 people lost their breadwinners, leaving their families struggling to survive.
• 8,744 children have been orphaned as a result of the violence.”

Dickphar described these figures as alarming, stating that they have given the IDA Women Wing leadership many sleepless nights.

“We are appealing to well-meaning individuals and organizations to come to our rescue,” she pleaded, urging for urgent intervention to support the affected families and help rebuild the community.