The Benue State Government has reiterated its commitment to continue to prioritise humanitarian response, safe return, and sustainable resettlement of displaced persons.
The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, James Iorpuu, stated this on Thursday during the distribution of food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons across the state.
Iorpuu said that though the relief materials do not replace lost homes and livelihoods, they provide critical support and temporary stability as the state works toward durable solutions.
He explained that the distribution process was guided by transparency, accountability, and fairness and added that beneficiary data had been carefully verified to ensure that the assistance reaches those genuinely affected.
Iorpuu said, “Government remains committed to supporting you not only with relief interventions but also with long-term recovery initiatives, including livelihood support, farming initiatives, and coordinated plans for safe return to your ancestral homes.
“Today’s exercise reflects that unwavering commitment. Every item released is intended strictly for the IDPs.”
The SEMA boss said that the items distributed included essential food commodities to address immediate nutritional needs, as well as non-food items aimed at improving living conditions in the camps and host communities.
While appreciating other humanitarian partners, security agencies, community leaders, camp officials, and staff of the agency, Iorpuu sought their continuous collaboration to further strengthen the response framework.
PUNCH Online reports that the State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, had in January 2025 declared that about 1.5 million internally displaced persons exist in the state.
Alia made the declaration when he received officials of the United States Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance in Makurdi and sought their support to cater for the displaced persons.