From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, yesterday, distributed food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, across various local government areas.
Speaking during the distribution held in Makurdi, the Executive Secretary, Dr James Iorpuu said the distribution was part of the state’s efforts to alleviate the plight of those displaced by insecurity and other emergencies.
He described the intervention as part of government’s efforts aimed at restoring hope, reaffirming dignity and demonstrating that it remains responsive to the needs of the people.
Iorpuu noted that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration had prioritised humanitarian response, safe return and sustainable resettlement of displaced persons, disclosing the items for distribution to include essential food commodities and non-food items aimed at improving living conditions in camps and host communities.
He assured stakeholders that the distribution process, guided by transparency, accountability and fairness, had the beneficiaries data carefully verified to ensure that assistance reaches those who are genuinely affected.
The executive secretary also disclosed that government intends to embark on long-term recovery initiatives, including livelihood support, farming initiatives and coordinated plans for the safe return of IDPs to their ancestral homes, urging the affected communities to remain patient with government.
Items distributed include 750 bags of beans, 550 bags of garri (25kg each), 768 cartons of indomie, 142 gallons of palm oil, 40 gallons of groundnut oil, 32 cartons of maggi, 465 units of mats, 32 cartons of tom brown, 19 bags of salt, 50 bales of clothes, and 117 bags of sugar, to be distributed among 15 IDP camps, including refugee camps in Kyogen and communities in Jato-Aka.
Others to benefit from the items include Mama Abayol Orphanage in Makurdi, School for Special Needs, Aliade, Juvenile Orphanage Home, Gboko, Rehabilitation Home, Apir, School for Special Needs, Vandeikya, and Teach the Worldwide School in Gboko, which was recently affected by fire disaster.
