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From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Benue State Government has procured food and non- food items to Internally Displaced persons, (IDPs) from the over N1.2 billion intervention from the Firrst Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nasarawa State government, United Bank of Africa (UBA) and Department of State Services (DSS).
This was announced by the Technical Committee chairman on the implementation of the intervention of Her Excellency, the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the Nassarawa State Government, UBA and DSS to the Yelewata attack victims, Mrs Deborah Aber during a press briefing at the office of the State Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA), in Makurdi.
Mrs Aber who is also the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG) said the distribution has coincided with the yuletide season, a period which symbolizes hope, love, compassion, and renewed faith in humanity.
She said in local government areas like Agatu, Otukpo, Ohimini and Apa where there are no camps, the materials will be handed over to stakeholders including traditional Chiefs to identify displaced persons for onward distribution.
Aber, represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde said aside the ongoing distribution of food and non-food material items, they have embarked on resettlement of IDPs.
She stated that construction of new houses for a cluster settlement was already ongoing in Yelewata, with 26 houses out of the 50 intended houses completed.
Aber said the government also embarked on Conditional Cash Transfer to 1000 beneficiaries across the camps and host communities, WASH, which has already drilled 3 boreholes in Yelewata, Agricultural Support, Education, among others.
According to her, “From these combined funds, essential food items such as rice, maize, beans, garri, vegetable oil, and condiments were procured, alongside critical non-food items including blankets, mats, toiletries, and many other household essentials.”
She expressed State government’s gratitude for the remarkable humanitarian support received from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, whose donation of food and non-food items has significantly strengthened response capacity.
She said “beyond the distribution of relief items, these collective donations have enabled other notable interventions aimed at improving the dignity and well-being of IDPs, including enhanced nutrition support for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as the reinforcement of camp-level support services.
“One particularly outstanding outcome of our broader collaboration with partners is the commencement of a gigantic water treatment plant in Naka, Gwer-West Local Government Area. This critical infrastructure will provide access to safe and clean water not only for IDPs but also for surrounding host communities. It stands as a long-term, sustainable intervention that promotes public health, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence.
“These achievements align with the vision and commitment of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State, whose administration has consistently prioritised the welfare, safety, and dignity of displaced persons. Under his leadership, Benue State remains firmly committed to transitioning from emergency relief to durable solutions for displacement.”
She assure IDPs that they are not forgotten but that the State Government, through SEMA and in partnership with local, national, and international stakeholders, remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting them through sustained interventions focused on resettlement, livelihood restoration, access to basic services, and improved living conditions.
“I urge all stakeholders to uphold the Principles of fairness, transparency, and cooperation to ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive what has been provided for them.
“On behalf of IDPs and the Benue State Government,I sincerely thank Her Excellency, the First Lady of Nigeria; the Nassarawa state Government,UBA,DSS,Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Saints and all our partners and donors for standing with Benue State during these challenging times”.
