From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
As Christians prepare for the Easter celebration, the Benue State government has distributed food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons IDPs in the state.
The Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Agency, BSEMA Sir James Iorpuu, who spoke during the loading of the items in his office premises on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, said it was part of the government’s gesture to reach out to the persons of concerns during the festive period.
He condemned the continued attacks and displacement of people in several communities in the State.
He also disclosed that several efforts made by the people to return to their ancestral homes have been met by attacks by suspected herders.
Iorapuu said the materials will be distributed to seven local government areas of the state including Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Apa, Okpokwu, Agatu, Guma and Logo.
According to him, “We are taking about 2250 25kg of rice, 990 bags of 25kg beans, 140 bags of 25kg garri, 2210 cartons of noodles,150 gallons of 25kg groundnut oil, 202 gallons of palm oil, 1700 cartons of Maggi, 200 bags of salt, 63 bags of sugar, 776 50kg bags of salt. 155 bags of detergents, 107 cartons of soap and 300 mattresses to the displaced persons.
“We have tagged this distribution as ‘Easter distribution to our brothers, fathers and mothers. The Governor instructed me to ensure that these items reach the IDPs especially those recently displaced in Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Apa, Okpokwu, Agatu, Guma and Logo LGAs.
“Apart from going to distribute these materials, we are also going to assess the level of damage in these areas for further action,” Iorpuu said.