From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, has disclosed that 18,592 individuals are currently displaced in Gwer-West Local Government Area, following renewed attacks on different communities by armed herdsmen.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr James Iorpuu, who made the disclosure during this month’s distribution of food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, held Thursday in Makurdi, said a new IDP camp hosting 8,650 women, 4,147 men, 5,795 children, 325 pregnant women, 637 breast feeding mothers, 2,315 persons with disabilities and 571 elderly persons have been opened at NKST Primary School and Calvin Foundation College all in Naka, headquarters of Gwer-West Local Government Area.
Iorpuu, also the Executive Secretary, BSEMA, represented by the Director of Administration at the agency, Dr Donald Komgbenda, told journalists during the briefing that the distribution exercise which commenced on Monday at Mbayongo mega camp and Apa, is part of the state government’s untiring commitment to alleviate the sufferings of the displaced population who have fallen victim of repeated unprovoked attacks and killings by armed herdsmen.
Iorpuu commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his tireless commitment and proactive efforts in addressing the security challenges confronting the state, as well as President Bola Tinubu for taking decisive and proactive steps in addressing security issues, especially by directing the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, to relocate to Benue State..
He noted that the singular move has demonstrated commitment towards restoring peace and security to troubled communities.
The executive secretary also announced that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency,NIMet, has listed Benue State as one of the high-risk areas likely to experience flooding in the coming months and urged citizens, especially those living in flood-prone communities to begin early preparations and move to higher and safer grounds.
He assured that the agency will continue to sensitise the public, as well as put in place contingency plans in case of any emergency.
Iorpuu called on partners, stakeholders and the general public to continue to support the collective efforts of the agency to bring relief, dignity and resettlement to the displaced population, urging them to work together in solidarity until peace is fully restored and those displaced return to their ancestral homes.
Items distributed include 1,325- bags of rice, 965 bags of beans, 475 bags of garri, 1,225 cartons of indomie, 105 gallons of palm oil, 19 gallons of groundnut oil, 83 cartons of maggi, 43 bags of salt and 70 bags of sugar respectively.
