FIC Report (Benue State) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has unveiled three key intervention projects aimed at supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and returnees in Makurdi and Guma Local Government Areas of Benue State.
The interventions, designed to promote voluntary return and reintegration in communities considered safe by the Benue State Government, focus on protection and monitoring, solar-powered infrastructure, and large-scale agricultural support through cash-based assistance.
The Head of Field Office, Katono Evelyn, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting hosted by the Permanent Secretary/Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), James Aondoakaa Iorpuu, on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 in Makurdi.
Evelyn explained that the six-month pilot programme, funded by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and implemented in partnership with Caritas Nigeria, is designed to strengthen community protection systems, improve safety and security, and promote self-reliance among displaced persons.
She noted that under the protection and monitoring component, selected IDPs will be trained and equipped with communication gadgets to provide real-time information that will support early warning mechanisms and enable rapid response to emergencies.
According to her, the solarization initiative will involve the installation of solar-powered streetlights and the distribution of solar lanterns in targeted communities to enhance safety and reduce the risk of gender-based violence, particularly at night.
Evelyn further stated that the cash-based and agricultural support programme will provide financial assistance to IDPs through cooperative groups to enable them rebuild their livelihoods, meet basic needs and reduce dependence on humanitarian aid.
In his remarks, James Aondoakaa Iorpuu commended United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and its partners for the intervention, reaffirming the Benue State Emergency Management Agency and the Benue State Government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by displaced persons.
He disclosed that BSEMA, in collaboration with UNHCR, has already commenced the implementation of several projects for returning IDPs, including the construction of motorised boreholes and permanent shelters in communities such as Tatyough and Tyo-Mu, with plans to extend similar support to other returnee communities.
Sir James assured the agency and its partners of the state government’s full support to ensure the smooth implementation of the intervention across Makurdi, Guma Local Government Area, and other affected areas.
Dignitaries at the meeting included Fredrick L. Ikyaan, James Dwem, Yanmar Ortese, Aondowase Kunde, Jacob Gbamwuan, Tarzoor Terhemen, Joseph Apev Keffi, Kadev Mimidoo Anne, Hamza Mohammed, and Abraham Shie.
The stakeholders pledged their support for the successful implementation of the intervention and commended the Benue State Government for its sustained efforts towards improving the welfare, safety and dignified return of IDPs.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
