From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, has disclosed that a total of 4,648 households, comprising 18,592 individuals, have been newly displaced in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) alone following recent attacks in the area.
Iorpuu stated this on Thursday, June 5, 2025, during the monthly distribution of food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the state.
He said a new camp has been opened at Calvin Foundation College, Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West LGA, and profiling of IDPs indicated that 4,648 households, including 18,592 individuals, have been displaced.
In a breakdown, Iorpuu, who briefed newsmen through the Head of Administration, BSEMA, Dr Donald Komgbenda, said 5,795 children, 8,650 women, and 4,147 men were rendered homeless and are taking shelter at the new camp.
He also noted that the number comprised 325 pregnant women, 637 lactating mothers, 1,315 persons with disabilities (PWDs), and 571 elderly people.
The Permanent Secretary said the distribution exercise, which commenced on Monday at the Mbayongo Mega Camp and in Apa Local Government Area, was part of the Benue State Government’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of displaced persons who have been victims of repeated and unprovoked attacks by armed herdsmen.
He appreciated Governor Hyacinth Alia for his dedication to the welfare of the people and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his proactive steps in addressing the security crisis in the state, especially by deploying the Chief of Army Staff to Benue State.
“This singular move demonstrates that the federal government is not only aware of our plight but is actively working to restore peace and security to our communities,” he said.
Iorpuu also alerted the Benue public to a warning from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which has listed Benue State as one of the high-risk areas likely to experience flooding in the coming months.
“I urge all our citizens, especially those living in flood-prone communities, to begin early preparations and move to higher and safer grounds. The agency will continue to sensitise the public and put in place contingency plans, but it is important that individuals and families also take personal responsibility for their safety.”
He appealed to partners, stakeholders, and the general public to continue supporting the collective efforts to bring relief, dignity, and eventual resettlement to the displaced population in the state until peace is fully restored and all displaced persons return to their ancestral homes.