Benue SEMA Lauds UNHCR for strengthening humanitarian support for IDPs, distribute food, non food items

From Dooshima Terkura Makurdi

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency, (BSEMA) has hailed the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for attracting funding support from the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF), to assist vulnerable persons in Guma and Makurdi Local Government Areas.

This is just as the humanitarian agency has distributed food and non food materials to IDPs in Benue state.

The SEMA Executive Secretary and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Sir James Iorpuu gave this commendation on Thursday, during the monthly distribution of food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the 15 camps and host communities in Benue State.

Iorpuu, while appreciating UNHCR for its timely interventions and continued support to vulnerable populations in Benue State, said the new fund specifically targets vulnerable persons in Guma and Makurdi LGAs.

He said “This intervention will significantly contribute to improving the living conditions of affected households and strengthening humanitarian response efforts in these communities.”

The SEMA also appreciated the Governor Hyacinth Alia for his sustained funding and unwavering support to the agency, noting that his commitment has continued to strengthen emergency response efforts and enabled prompt intervention in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations across the state.

The agency stated that the consistent support from the Benue State Government reflects leadership, compassion and dedication towards improving the welfare of displaced persons and affected communities.

He commended the resilience, patience and courage displayed by vulnerable families despite the daily hardships experienced in camps and host communities.

According to him, the determination of displaced persons to remain hopeful and united has inspired humanitarian workers and aid organisations to intensify efforts towards supporting their recovery and rebuilding process.

SEMA equally expressed appreciation to both international and local partners for their sustained collaboration in ensuring that relief materials reach those most in need, stressing that such partnerships have remained vital in alleviating suffering and restoring dignity to displaced populations.

The agency further disclosed that it is collaborating with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiative aimed at strengthening local communities and emergency response structures across Benue State.

He explained that the project, when fully implemented, would provide critical training for grassroots emergency volunteers, improve preparedness, build resilience and enhance community-based response mechanisms during emergencies and disasters.

The agency also appreciated Benue State Government agencies, members of the media, truck owners engaged in logistics operations, loaders’ associations and SEMA staff for their dedication and sacrifices in sustaining effective humanitarian interventions across the state.

He reaffirmed SEMA’s commitment to transparency, accountability and integrity, and pledged to continue serving vulnerable populations with compassion while ensuring that all support and relief materials reach the intended beneficiaries.