The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has distributed thousands of food and non-food items to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state.
Performing the monthly exercise on Friday in Makurdi, the acting Executive Secretary of SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, said the relief materials would be given to the new IDPs recorded in the state.
Iorpuu said Gov. Hyacinth Alia was determined to ease the pains suffered by the displaced population from different humanitarian challenges who were currently living in 14 IDP camps across the state and their host communities.
He said the renewed attacks had displaced more people in Agatu, Ukum, Okpokwu, APA, Otukpo, and Kwande, among others, adding that their profiling was still ongoing.
“As we commence this distribution to the 14 IDP camps and host communities, I want to inform you that the governor has graciously mandated that food and non-food distribution should cover Agatu, Adoka-Otukpo, Jato Aka, Nyihemba in Kwande, Ijama, and Omusu in Okpokwu LGAs of the state.”
He said the distribution also signified the governor’s sustained passion and unflinching commitment to the cause of IDPs and other people needing special attention, not only in the monthly distribution exercise but also in providing durable solutions to the IDPs’ cause.
Iorpuu said SEMA was committed to partnering with humanitarian partners both internationally and locally to cater for the daily needs and offer short- and long-term solutions to the displaced.
“My recent tour to Maiduguri, Borno, which was sponsored by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has been fruitful.
“The visit not only provided me an opportunity to ascertain the living conditions of IDPs but was advantageous to the state.
“The focus of the visit was to explore potential avenues and establish an effective partnership with the IOM and other humanitarian partners working in Borno.
“I am happy to announce to you that the IOM and other partners have agreed to shift their intervention to Benue; thus, I want to use this medium to thank and commend the IOM and Borno SEMA for the quick facilitation of my visit.
“I am happy to announce that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in the same vein, has moved to Benue permanently to add its expertise and provide manpower to complement the state government’s efforts in addressing the IDP’s situations,’’ he said.
Iorpuu said the Intercommunity Development and Social Organization (IDS), in partnership with Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), was currently distributing life-saving items to the vulnerable groups in Makurdi, targeting 210 households.
He further disclosed that the agency was distributing thousands of bags of rice, beans, garri, cartons of indomie, salts, maggi, malts, brackets, red and groundnut oil, and other condiments.(NAN)
