FIC REPORT (BENUE STATE) – The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) has commenced the distribution of food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable populations across camps and host communities in the state.
The Executive Secretary of Benue-SEMA, Sir James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, PhD, disclosed this on Thursday, September 24, 2026, during the commencement of the distribution exercise at the Agency’s headquarters in Makurdi.
Sir James appealed to political and community leaders, corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to demonstrate sensitivity, responsibility and respect for the dignity of displaced persons in their engagements and interventions.
He stressed that stakeholders wishing to complement the efforts of the state government in supporting displaced populations must work through established Benue-SEMA procedures and coordination mechanisms.
According to him, adherence to standard camp management practices remains essential to safeguarding the safety, privacy and dignity of IDPs.
The Executive Secretary also urged political leaders and other stakeholders planning visits, donations or interventions in IDP camps and host communities to observe the Agency’s guidelines and ensure that such activities are properly coordinated and conducted peacefully and appropriately.
Sir James commended the Benue State Government, under the leadership of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for introducing strategic humanitarian reforms aimed at improving camp management, streamlining relief distribution and promoting durable solutions for displaced populations.
He called on well-meaning individuals, political leaders and community stakeholders, irrespective of political affiliation, to support efforts aimed at protecting the welfare and security of IDPs and facilitating their return, rehabilitation and reintegration.
While reaffirming Benue-SEMA’s commitment to protecting the well-being and dignity of displaced populations, Sir James appreciated humanitarian partners for their continued support.
He noted that collaboration with development and humanitarian partners had facilitated critical interventions in food security, nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), healthcare and other essential areas.
The Benue-SEMA boss specifically commended the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the agency’s leadership and commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and response, particularly through the recent Full-Scale Flood Disaster Response Simulation Exercise conducted in Makurdi.
He said Benue-SEMA would continue to strengthen coordination mechanisms, improve needs assessments, enhance accountability in the distribution of relief materials and deepen collaboration with partners and stakeholders to ensure that humanitarian interventions effectively reach those most in need.
Sir James assured that the food and non-food items being distributed would reach IDPs and other vulnerable populations in accordance with established procedures, accountability measures and humanitarian principles.
He further emphasised the need for all stakeholders involved in humanitarian interventions to place the welfare, safety and dignity of displaced persons at the centre of their activities.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
