Jos crisis: Group worried over women, children’s plight
She said: “One of the scariest incident was that of a female student killed during the crisis
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A non-governmental organisation, Women in Leadership Initiative (WiLI), has said it is worried at the plight of women and children whenever crisis erupts in Plateau State.
WiLI which focuses its activities on women and children has a trauma counselling centre for women and children in distress.
Maryam Baba Muhammed, chairperson of the group who made this known in Jos said their experiences during the recent killings in Jos were worrisome and uncalled for, calling on government and other stakeholders in the state to bring an end to any form of crisis.
She said: “One of the scariest incident was that of a female student killed during the crisis. There was a night call to our centre by the mother of the girl who was crying. A lot of women shared same experiences during the crisis.
“Nigeria has 46 percent of its population within the poverty index, living below $1.90 with 31.54 percent being women. It is really sad to see that more hardship is added to the current economic situation which women and children are victims.
“The crises have affected their mental and psychological well-being. They have little access to food and basic life amenities. They were confused and disturbed due to loss of their loved ones. It has compelled so many to flee their homes,” she added.
The group called on the government and well-meaning individuals to put hands on deck in ensuring the safety of women and their children and set up trauma support system to help lessening the effect on them.
The group further urged residents of the state to be good agents of change and embrace everyone, calling for interfaith workshops to encourage love for one another.