FIC Report (Benue State) – A high-level coordination meeting involving key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) alongside humanitarian partners has been held in Benue State to strengthen collaboration on humanitarian response and drive the full implementation of the State Durable Solutions Plan for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The meeting, which took place today, Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Fr. Alia Conference Hall, Benue SEMA Headquarters, was convened by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management. It brought together representatives from government MDAs, United Nations agencies, international organizations, and local non-governmental organizations.
In his opening remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, said the forum was designed to provide comprehensive updates on government and partner interventions under the State’s Durable Solutions Plan for IDPs. He praised partners for their tireless efforts in complementing government’s response to persons of concern and cautioned on the rising risks of flooding across the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and Executive Secretary of BSEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, PhD, represented by the Head of Administration, Dr. Donald Komgbenda K, highlighted key interventions for IDPs in camps and returnee communities, including Tatyiough in Makurdi. He reaffirmed government’s resolve to work with both international and local partners to deliver sustainable solutions.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Theresa Odachi Ikwue; Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche; Director General, Bureau for Homeland Security, Retired Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan; and Director General, Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, Mr. Leonard Viashima Angelo, pledged their commitment to collaborate with BSEMA and partners to actualize the Durable Solutions Plan launched by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Notable partners including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Organization for Migration (IOM), World Health Organization (WHO), Save the Children, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) presented ongoing interventions covering peacebuilding, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), hygiene promotion, livelihood support, healthcare services, and multipurpose cash assistance. They also outlined upcoming projects aligned with the State Durable Solutions Plan.
Deliberations also considered fresh warnings from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on rising flood risks due to heavy rainfall and swelling levels of River Benue. Stakeholders advised residents in flood-prone communities—particularly in Makurdi, Guma, and Agatu Local Government Areas—to relocate to safer, higher grounds.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For: Head of Center, FIC Makurdi
