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Says over 1,000 households attacked from Dec 29, 2024
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has lamented that despite efforts by his administration to address insecurity in the state, attacks have continued, with over 1,000 households attacked from December 29, 2024.
The Governor made the statement in Government House Makurdi on Thursday, January 9, 2025, during the joint mission visit of the Chief of Mission for the 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.
Quoting the latest IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report for 2024, Alia revealed that Benue State currently shelters 500,182 displaced persons, accounting for 38% 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 committed 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 coordinated efforts between the state, IOM, ECHO, and other international partners to overcome the challenges.
He appreciated IOM and ECHO for their visit, stating that their presence underscores the international community’s commitment to collaborating with the state in addressing the multifaceted humanitarian challenges.
“Such partnerships renew the hope and strength of the state to forge ahead,” he added.
Alia highlighted recent efforts by his administration, including the enrolment of over 6,273 vulnerable individuals from 15 IDP camps into the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme, ensuring they receive essential healthcare services. His administration has also provided dignified shelters for 5,600 displaced households and deployed over 5,000 Civil Protection Guards working with Nigerian security agencies to bolster safety for both IDPs and host communities.
He further called on IOM, ECHO, and all stakeholders to deepen their engagement with the state in areas such as shelter, sanitation, camp management, healthcare services, agricultural support, educational opportunities, and strengthening protection mechanisms.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Mission for IOM, Paula Pace, expressed IOM’s readiness to intervene in disaster management in Benue, acknowledging their role in alleviating the suffering of IDPs. She expressed hope that collaboration with Benue State would bring peace and an end to inter-communal clashes.
She commended the state government for its determination to find solutions, stating that IOM was partnering with the state government to help the people of Benue.
The Head of ECHO, Alexander Castellano, acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians face during disasters, stating, “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.”