From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, has assured Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, of government’s continued commitment towards improving their living conditions, as well as facilitate their eventual return to their ancestral homes.
Executive Secretary of BSEMA, James Iorpuu, who gave the assurance at a media briefing yesterday in Makurdi, to mark the monthly distribution of food and non-food items to IDPs in the state, explained that Benue State government through SEMA would continue to make their plight a top priority.
Iorpuu, who described the distribution of assorted food and non-food items including 2,240 bags of 25kg bags of rice, beans, garri, cartons of indomie, gallons of palm and groundnut oil among other items as a demonstration of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s unwavering commitment to alleviate their suffering, commended the United Nations, UN, agencies for their relentless support and invaluable contributions towards improving the living condition of IDPs in the state.
The executive secretary on behalf of the state government also extended special appreciation to the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, for deploying seven critical sectors to the state, affirming that their efforts in camp coordination and management, provision of shelter and non-food items, livelihood, water and sanitation, as well as transitional recovery have been instrumental in ensuring that Benue IDPs receive the necessary assistance and support.
He said the state government expressed gratitude to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, United Nations Population Fund, UNPF, and PLAN International, acknowledging that their continuous support and resources have made significant impact in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by IDPs.
He appreciated their contributions in providing essential services, enhancing protection and providing sustainable development.
The BSEMA boss advised that the recent flood alert issued by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, whose prediction this season included Benue State as one of the high- risk areas for flooding, noted that the warning should serve as a critical reminder of the challenges that the people would face in the coming days, appealing to them to remain vigilant and proactive, as well avoid the impact of the flood on communities.
He called on stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the international community to continue to proffer solutions to the yearly occurrence of flood in some affected communities, acknowledging that the solidarity of partners and donors has become the bridge upon which BSEMA has built its humanitarian efforts.
Iorpuu equally expressed optimism that together, the agency would overcome the challenges and pave the way for a brighter future for all displaced persons in Benue State.
