News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Executive Secretary/Permanent Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, on Friday, disclosed Benue State is having an alarm increase in the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) following new attacks on communities in the state.
Briefing newsmen during the monthly distribution of food and non-food items to IDPs across the state, Iorpuu who lamented daily new displacement of citizens said a total of 618,000 IDP are housed in various camps across 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
“We’re having displacements almost on daily basis now and we cannot ascertain the exact number now but going by the verified number we are receiving from our partners, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), we have about 618,000 persons in the camps.
“Last Wednesday, some communities were attacked near Apir, our people will access those communities and get the numbers that were displaced so we will know how to respond to that. We are having relative peace in some communities and people from there ho to their farms and return to the camp.”
This monthly intervention, under the directive and continued support of the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, is a testament to his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and dignity of the displaced citizens.
He acknowledge the persistence of the humanitarian challenges facing the state, largely due to ongoing insecurity, especially in the border and conflict-prone communities saying “Yet, in the face of these daunting realities, the state government have remained consistent in delivering timely interventions
He announced that in a bid to strengthen field operations, monitor humanitarian conditions firsthand, and deepen engagement with the displaced populations, he has resolved to personally tour all the IDP camps across the state in the coming weeks.
“This tour will enable me to better appreciate the conditions on the ground, interface directly with camp officials and IDPs, and identify areas where immediate and long-term interventions are needed. It is only through proximity and sincere listening that we can fine-tune our approach to durable solutions.
He also stated that the in addition to the ongoing field engagements, the Fr. Alia Conference Hall, a key project of Benue SEMA, is now nearing completion.
He said “This facility, when commissioned, will serve as a vital hub for humanitarian coordination, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building sessions for SEMA staff and partners. It is part of our broader effort to institutionalize a culture of excellence, transparency, and innovation within the humanitarian sector in Benue State.”
Iorpuu appreciated all partners from the United Nations, INGOs, local NGOs, the media, and civil society groups who have continued to complement the state government’s efforts. He also thanked the security agencies who have continued to work with them to ensure that all interventions reach the right people without compromise.
He assured the IDPs that their cries have not gone unheard as Governor Alia remains fully committed to ther safe return and dignified resettlement.
He said “As an agency, we are working round the clock to facilitate this process with sensitivity and sincerity.
“While the state government continues to intensify efforts aimed at returning our people to their ancestral homes, we are also fostering a peaceful and harmonious environment where IDPs can coexist with host communities,promoting mutual respect and brotherhood.
“Recall that the Benue State Government has secured and cleared several hectares of land and formed over 200 cooperatives for the IDPs. Additionally, about 280 hectares of farmland have been allocated. The IDP farm projects, which have already been launched as part of the government’s sustainable empowerment programmes, will be further expanded.
“We are maintaining strong collaboration with the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, as well as with other critical stakeholders, to continue supporting the resettlement and empowerment of displaced persons.
He commended Governor Alia for consistently reaching out to IDPs, Cameroonian refugees, and vulnerable populations across the state.
with a call on the Federal Government to support the implementation of the state’s Duable Solutions Plan for IDPs and improve national security as a sure way to enable farmers to return to their communities and regain self-sufficiency.
As Christians look forward to the holy season of Easter, Iorpuu urged all citizens to continue to pray for peace and security across Benue state and the entire nation.
He said the items which include 2,015 25kg bags of rice, 1,305 bags of beans, 455 bags of garri, 1,505 cartons of noodles, 126 gallons of groundnut oil, 154 gallons of red oil, 102 cartons of maggi, 99 bags of sal, 89 bags of sugar, would be shared to the camps, host communities, refugees, Mama Abayol Orphanage home, School for Special Needs in Vandeikya and Aliade LGA, Orphanage home in Mkar, NKST Orphanage home in Mkar, Old People’s Home in Judges Quarters and Apa LGA.
