FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has distributed food and non-food items to internally displaced persons (IDPs), Cameroonian refugees, and other vulnerable groups across 15 camps and host communities in the state.
Speaking during the flag-off of the exercise at the SEMA headquarters in Makurdi on Wednesday, the Permanent/Executive Secretary of the agency, Sir James Iorpuu, PhD, said the intervention reflects the Benue State Government’s continuous commitment to safeguarding the welfare of displaced persons.
According to him, Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia remains dedicated to ensuring not just food and relief support but also access to healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and quality education for IDPs.
Dr. Iorpuu disclosed that through the Benue State Bureau for Education Quality Assurance, 31 IDP children recently gained admission into the Exchange School Programme across different states, while 14 unaccompanied IDP children were deployed to Martinacy International Orphanage Home in Lagos. Additionally, 10 orphans from the NKST Orphanage in Mkar were supported under the programme.
“These initiatives are aimed at securing a brighter future for vulnerable children, giving them access to quality education, scholarships abroad, and other life-changing opportunities,” he explained.
On durable solutions, the SEMA boss revealed that 15 households have already been reintegrated in Tyo-Mu, Makurdi, as part of the government’s plan to end protracted displacement. He commended humanitarian partners for their collaboration and urged them to expand targeted interventions in IDP camps across Logo, Gwer West, Agatu, Kwande, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Apa, and Otukpo LGAs.
He further thanked UNHCR for supporting IDPs in Tyo-Mu to sustain their rice farming project, IOM for constructing a water treatment plant in Naka, and other UN and local partners for their swift response to victims of the recent Yelwata attacks.
Items distributed include:
• 2,125 bags of rice (25kg)
• 710 bags of beans
• 1,430 bags of garri
• 1,062 cartons of Indomie noodles
• 280 bags of maize
• 212 gallons of vegetable oil (20 litres each)
• 2,222 gallons of palm oil
• 120 cartons of detergent
• 110 cartons of Milo
• 128 cartons of seasoning cubes
• 410 cartons of spaghetti
• 200 bags of salt
• 300 bags of sugar
Dr. Iorpuu added that the agency will visit Ayilamo in Logo LGA to assess the situation and distribute items to IDPs there, while also continuing support for those who have returned to their ancestral homes in Tatyough, Makurdi LGA.
He also warned residents of flood-prone areas in the state to relocate to safer zones as water levels continue to rise, urging them to clear water channels and remain vigilant.
The SEMA Secretary further announced that the Fr. Alia Conference Hall, a new hub for humanitarian coordination, is at 98 percent completion, describing it as “a clear testimony to the visionary leadership of Governor Alia.”
Dr. Iorpuu reassured IDPs and the people of Benue State of SEMA’s commitment to serve with dedication, transparency, and compassion until durable solutions are fully achieved.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
