News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The former Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), during Governor Samuel Ortom tenure, Dr. Emmanuel Shior has challenged the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia over his claims on lack of data on the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
Shior, in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Saturday said the Governor, in a recent media outing, claimed that his administration lacks data on the IDPs within the state.
Shior described such claims shocking saying he handed over about 2 million IDPs and over 10,000 refugees which was contained in the handover notes
The former SEMA Boss expressed concern over the Governor’s assertion, questioning whether the administration also lacks data on the Cameroonian refugees that the state is currently hosting.
He emphasized the importance of accurate data in addressing the humanitarian crisis stemming from escalating insecurity in the state, which has resulted in a growing IDP population.
He said “Governor Alia’s claim is a misrepresentation of the facts. In my handover notes, I documented data indicating approximately 2 million IDPs and around 10,000 Cameroonian refugees in Benue State.”
Shior, a Lecturer at Federal University of Lafia, emphasized that the previous administration established strategic partnerships and conducted symposiums aimed at generating reliable data for effective IDP management.
This collaborative effort, he said, included partnerships with various national and international organizations such as NEMA, UNHCR, and UNICEF, culminating in the creation of the Benue State Humanitarian Response Plan.
Dr. Shior noted that Governor Alia had previously acknowledged the same data in media presentations and discussions with humanitarian partners and wondered why the governor has suddenly turned round to speak in a contradictory tone.
Dr. Shior criticized the state government of Benue State for failing to enhance IDP management, stating that many displaced individuals have reported a decline in providing of relief materials to them since the change in leadership of the state in 2023.
He observed that “What is particularly ironic is that while the Governor claims to have improved conditions for IDPs, new camps are being established without adequate provisions for their welfare.”
Dr. Shior urged Governor Alia to take immediate action to update and utilize the existing IDP data for effective coordination and management of humanitarian efforts.
He posed critical questions regarding the allocation of resources intended for IDP support, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the administration’s operations.
He said it was a necessity for the government to provide accurate data and effective governance to address the needs of IDPs in the state.
