FIC Report (Benue State) – The Permanent Secretary, Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Sir James Iorpuu, on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, received the Directors General of the State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) of Nasarawa and Plateau States—Barr. Ben Akwash and Mr. Sunday Abdu respectively—in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The visit was to commiserate with the government and people of Benue State over the recent killings in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.
During a media briefing at the NUJ House, Makurdi, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, expressed appreciation to the visiting DGs for their gesture of solidarity.
Dr. Iorpuu, while addressing the press, described the visit as timely and reassuring. He decried the continuous, coordinated attacks in Benue State since 2011 and recalled that the Yelewata tragedy occurred on 13th June 2025 during his official absence. However, he commended his staff for promptly evacuating survivors and ensuring that the injured received treatment at the State Teaching Hospital.
DG SEMA Nasarawa, Barr. Ben Akwash, sympathized with the people of Benue and reaffirmed the historical and operational bond among Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States. He emphasized the need for collaboration, especially in addressing the common threat of insecurity.
In his remarks, DG SEMA Plateau, Mr. Sunday Abdu, also expressed condolences over the loss of innocent lives. He acknowledged that both Benue and Plateau States have been heavily impacted by insecurity and urged the people not to lose faith in government efforts. He stated that their visit was also to learn from Benue’s disaster management strategies.
Dr. Iorpuu revealed that he has been at the forefront of advocating for the inclusion of the North Central region in the Nigerian Humanitarian Response Plan, similar to the North East. He added that discussions also focused on flood sensitization and proactive disaster risk reduction.
He commended the media for their unwavering support in disseminating critical humanitarian information. He noted that the visiting SEMA DGs were scheduled to tour the major IDP camps and other disaster-affected areas in the state.
In a vote of thanks, Comrade Kris Atsaka, former NUJ Vice President, Zone D, lauded the SEMA officials for standing with Benue in a time of grief and assured Dr. Iorpuu of the media’s continued support in amplifying the humanitarian efforts of his agency.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For :Head Of Center,
Federal Information center
Makurdi
