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The Benue State Government has distributed a fresh round of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, vulnerable groups, and Cameroonian refugees in Kwande Local Government Area as part of its ongoing humanitarian intervention.
The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Dr. James Iorpuu, flagged off the distribution exercise in Makurdi. Iorpuu, who also serves as the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing the needs of displaced and vulnerable populations across the state.
He highlighted that the monthly intervention is a direct reflection of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s continued dedication to the welfare and dignity of displaced citizens. According to Iorpuu, Benue State currently has over 618,000 officially registered IDPs, a figure that may still rise due to unprofiled cases caused by persistent attacks in various communities.
“We are deeply aware of the ongoing humanitarian challenges, particularly those stemming from insecurity in border and conflict-prone areas,” Iorpuu said. “Despite these challenges, we remain steadfast in delivering timely and consistent interventions.”
He announced plans to visit all IDP camps across Benue State to personally assess living conditions, improve on-ground operations, and foster stronger relationships with displaced individuals. These visits, he said, would enable more tailored responses to the unique needs of each camp.
Iorpuu also revealed that SEMA had received no funding in the months of February and March, which unfortunately delayed the distribution of relief materials during that period. However, the resumption of aid marks renewed efforts by the government to support those affected.
Among the relief items distributed were 2,015 bags of rice, 1,305 bags of beans, 455 bags of garri, and 1,505 cartons of noodles. Additionally, the agency provided 126 gallons of groundnut oil, 154 gallons of red oil, 102 cartons of seasoning, 99 bags of salt, and 89 bags of sugar, all aimed at addressing the immediate nutritional needs of the displaced and vulnerable populations.
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He also noted the near completion of the Fr. Alia Conference Hall, a key SEMA project now at 90% completion, aimed at boosting the agency’s administrative and coordination capacities.
Looking ahead, Iorpuu assured displaced persons of the state government’s commitment to facilitating their safe and dignified return to ancestral homes. He said the government has already secured and cleared several hectares of land and formed over 200 agricultural cooperatives for IDPs.
As part of a broader sustainable empowerment initiative, 280 hectares of farmland have been allocated to IDPs for agricultural projects, which are already underway. These initiatives, he noted, are designed to promote long-term resettlement, food security, and economic independence for displaced persons.
He called on the Federal Government to scale up its support for durable solutions and to enhance national security, particularly in regions experiencing recurrent violence and displacement.
“We are working round the clock to restore hope and provide real, lasting solutions. Our vision is not just to meet immediate needs, but to create an environment where displaced persons can rebuild their lives with dignity,” he concluded.
NAN
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