By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
As part of efforts to support victims of renewed violence in Plateau State, a businessman and philanthropist, Mr. John Gamasaura Katura, has donated food and non-food items worth millions of naira to families affected by attacks in Rike and Kimakpa communities, Bassa Local Government Area.
Katura, who is the Managing Director/CEO of JOKATU Property Development Limited, Abuja, was represented by a delegation led by Pastor Yohanna Dalla Magaji during the distribution of the items at Zike Primary School.
Speaking on behalf of Katura, Pastor Magaji said the businessman was deeply saddened by the attacks and decided to assist the victims as a show of solidarity.
“Mr. Katura condemns the killings in the strongest terms,” Magaji said. “He believes such acts of violence against innocent citizens must not be allowed to continue. He prays that God will comfort the bereaved families and grant speedy recovery to the injured.”
The delegation first visited the palace of the District Head of Kimakpa, Chief Luka Miri, where Katura’s message of condolence was delivered. The businessman also commended the traditional ruler for his steadfastness in defending his people.
Responding, Chief Miri expressed gratitude for the support, saying the gesture would strengthen the bond between Irigwe and Anaguta communities.
“What you people have done today will further strengthen the cordial relationship between the Irigwe and Anaguta nations,”
“Kindly extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Katura and the Ujah Anaguta for standing with us during this difficult time.”He stated.
The traditional ruler also called for unity among indigenous communities to resist the growing threat of land dispossession.
“We must remain united to combat the menace of foreigners who are determined to take over our ancestral lands and God-given resources.”
At the presentation ceremony, Magaji urged the affected families to remain resilient and hopeful for better days.
“The relationship between Jos North and Bassa people has always been cordial,” he noted. “We are confident it will grow even stronger as we continue to stand together during trying times.”
Chairman of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA) in Kimakpa District, Mr. Yusuf Mwa Nze, and Vice President of the Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM), Ms. Ayo Joyce Sunday, both praised Katura for his intervention and prayed for his continued success.
Some of the victims, speaking to journalists, also expressed appreciation for the support.
Wiki, a 35-year-old widow who lost her husband in the attack, said, “I have heard of Mr. Katura’s philanthropic activities before, but I never thought I would one day benefit. May God bless and keep him for us.”
Another beneficiary, Jennifer Moses, who lost her father and three brothers, said, “May God enlarge Mr. John’s coast and reward him for standing by us.”
Aboro Moses, who lost two relatives, added, “Just as the attackers will be judged for their wickedness, those who have shown us kindness like Mr. Katura will also be richly rewarded.”
The items donated included bundles of roofing sheets, bags of maize, and cartons of Indomie noodles.
