From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has lamented that despite efforts of his administration to address the challenges of insecurity in the state, attacks have continue with over 1000 households attacked between December 29th to date.
The Governor stated this in Government House Makurdi , yesterday, during the joint mission visit of the Chief of Mission for International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Paula Pace and the Head of European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) Alexander Castellano to Benue State.
Alia who was quoting the latest IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report of 2024, said Benue state currently shelters 500,182 displaced persons, accounting for 38 percent of the displaced population in the North Central region.
“These individuals are dispersed across 26 camps and 185 host communities, enduring conditions that are far from ideal. They grapple with inadequate shelter, limited access to clean water and sanitation, insufficient healthcare services, and a lack of robust protection mechanisms.
“Such hardships have precipitated detrimental coping strategies, including early marriages, transactional activities, and reduced food intake, disproportionately affecting women, children, and persons with disabilities.
“These challenges, while daunting, serve as a clarion call for collective action and innovative solutions,” he said adding that his administration remains unwavering in its dedication to addressing the root causes of displacement and fostering sustainable solutions for the citizens.
While stressing the enormity of the humanitarian crisis faced by the state, Alia called for a coordinated effort between the state, IOM, ECHO and other international partners to enable the state surmount the challenges.
He appreciated IOM and ECHO for their visit saying their presence underscores the international community’s steadfast commitment to collaborating with the state in addressing the multifaceted humanitarian challenges that have beset it.
“Such partnerships renews the hope and strength of the state to forge ahead.”
Alia highlight some of the recent efforts of his administration saying ,”We have enrolled over 6,273 vulnerable individuals from 15 IDP Camps into the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme, ensuring they receive essential healthcare services that are vital for their well-being.
He said his administration has also built dignified shelters for 5,600 displaced households, ensured promotion of social Justice as well as deployed over 5,000 Civil Protection Guards working with the Nigerian security agencies to bolster safety for both IDPs and host communities among others.
He further called on IOM, ECHO, and all stakeholders to deepen your engagement with the state in the areas of shelter and sanitation by upgrading facilities and constructing emergency shelters to provide safe and dignified living conditions.
He also called for support in the area of water, sanitation services, camp Management, camp coordination, healthcare services, agricultural support, educational opportunities as well as strengthening protection mechanisms.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Mission for IOM, Paula Pace said IOM is pleased to intervene in disaster management in Benue as they are conscious of alleviating the suffering of IDPs.
She expressed hope that their collaboration with Benue state will her find peace while inter communal clashes in the state would come to an end.
She commended the state government for demonstrating the will power to find solutions and ways for the people to live in peace saying they have come to join forces with the state government to work with people in Benue for the people in Benue.
The Head of ECHO, Alexander Castellano who noted that he has heard of Nigerians as strong and hardworking people said, ECHO acknowledges the difficulties the people go through when disaster strikes. He said, “it’s difficult but together it’s easier. There is dignity in helping each other. We thought we should bring this support to the people to work together for humanity.”