By; ARCHIBONG ESUENE, Makurdi
The acting Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Agency, Mr James Iorpuu has said that distribution of food and non food items to internally displaced persons (IDPs) is part of Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s efforts to ease the pains suffered by the displaced population in 14 IDP camps across the state.
Mr Iorpuu at a press conference in Makurdi, Benue State Capital, pointed out that due to security challenges, a lot of people have been displaced across some Local Government Areas leading to the humanitarian challenges.
He said the distribution also signifies 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 providing durable solutions to the IDPs’
The reason he explained, “is why the State Government, through Benue-SEMA, is committed to partnering with humanitarian partners both Internationally and Locally to cater for the daily needs and proffer short and long-term solutions to the displaced persons.
“I reiterate that Benue-SEMA under my watch will continue to be transparent and committed to delivering on the mandate of the agency in line with Governor Alia administration’s modest commitment to mitigating and responding to emergency-related issues and resettling the IDPs to their ancestral homes”.
The Benue-SEMA boss also highlighted some of the practical and bold steps taken by the Agency in collaboration with support partners recently to address the humanitarian challenges in the state which according to him includes his recent tour to Maiduguri, Borno State which was sponsored by the International Organization for Migration(IOM).
“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 State”.
According to him, the IOM and other partners have agreed to shift their intervention to Benue State, “thus I want to use this medium to thank and commend the IOM and Borno SEMA for the quick facilitation of my visit”.
While Benue-SEMA in collaboration with IOM has just concluded training/capacity building for Benue-SEMA staff, Mr Iorpuu further disclosed that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has moved to Benue State permanently to add its expertise and provide manpower to complement state government’s efforts in addressing the IDPs situations.
Speaking further, he said the Intercommunity Development and Social Organization(IDS)in partnership with Islamic Relief Worldwide(IRW) is currently distributing life-saving items to the vulnerable groups in Makurdi targeting 210 households.
On the ongoing registration of IDPs, he said, ” it will also interest you to know that arrangements and modalities to continue the second phase of Biometric Registration have been concluded and I assure you that the exercise will continue until the IDPs are all captured”.
On the distribution of food and non food items to the Fourteen (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 and Nyihemba-Kwande, Ijama and Omusu-Okpokwu local government areas of the state and this gesture is aimed at cushioning the hardship faced by victims of armed herdsmen in the affected communities.”
