Benue Govt Distributes Relief Materials To IDPs Camps, Commences Biometric Review Of IDPs

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi 
Benue State Government in collaboration with other partners, has began biometric review and issuance of new identity cards to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps and host communities to ensure proper documentation and inclusion of those in camps.

The State Government is ausidiously working to provide more relief materials and restore the dignity of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state through the Renewed Hope vision of  Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia.

The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. James Iorpuu disclosed this during the monthly distribution of food and non food items to IDPs across 15 recognised camps.

He maintained that the state also seeks to promote self-reliance and ensure the safe and sustainable return of the displaced population in the state back to their ancestral homes.

Dr. Iorpuu was represented at the event by the Head of Administration, SEMA, Donald Komgbenda.

According to him, the distribution  is in furtherance of Governor Alia's commitment  towards bringing hope, relief, and dignity to displaced populations.

"The challenges of meeting the needs of this set of people were enormous, the governor will continue to demonstrate compassion and determination in addressing their issues through practical interventions.

"The governor has entrusted Benue SEMA, under my leadership, with the vital responsibility of ensuring that every displaced person receives the attention and support they deserve.

“This exercise is another clear testament to Governor Alia’s people-centred leadership and his administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of displaced and vulnerable populations.”

“Through this intervention, food and non-food items will be distributed across 15 official IDP camps. Beyond meeting immediate needs, Governor Alia’s administration is taking deliberate and strategic steps to restore livelihoods and rebuild communities.

“In collaboration with our partners, Benue SEMA has commenced the biometric review and issuance of new identity cards to IDPs in camps and host communities to ensure proper documentation and inclusion.

“Through our partnership with the UNHCR, solar-powered boreholes have been drilled in returnee communities such as Tatyough in Makurdi Local Government Area, where food and non-food items were also distributed to assist families in rebuilding their lives.

“Likewise, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), we have initiated housing and water projects at Naka Dam, including the construction of a water treatment plant aimed at addressing the persistent challenge of water scarcity in Naka IDP camp and surrounding host communities.

"I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the international and local partners, as well as sister Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), for their continued collaboration.

"The support of the partners aligns with the Durable Solutions Plan for IDPs in Benue and remains crucial to the success of the humanitarian response in the state", Alia said.