From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
In other to bring succour to the huge displaced population in the state, the International Organization for Migrants, (IOM) and other humanitarian partners working in Borno state have agreed to shift their intervention to Benue State.
Acting. Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, disclosed this on Friday, at the agency’s premises in Makurdi during the continuous distribution of food and non food items to displaced persons in the state.
Iorpuu who said he just returned from Bornu State, said the focus of the visit was to explore potential avenues and establish an effective partnership with the IOM and other humanitarian partners working in there.
He also announced that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the same vein, has moved to Benue State permanently to add its expertise and provide manpower to complement State Government’s efforts in addressing the IDPs situations.
According to him, ‘Benue-SEMA, is committed to partnering with humanitarian partners both Internationally and Locally to cater for the daily needs and proffer short and long-term solutions to the displaced persons.
“I want to reiterate that Benue-SEMA under my watch will continue to be transparent and committed to delivering on the mandate of the agency in line with Governor Alia administration’s modest commitment to mitigating and responding to emergency-related issues and resettling the IDPs to their ancestral homes.
“I am happy to announce to you that the IOM and other partners have agreed to shift their intervention to Benue State.
“The Intercommunity Development and Social Organization(IDS) in partnership with Islamic Relief Worldwide(IRW) is currently distributing life-saving items to the vulnerable groups in Makurdi targeting 210 households.
“It will also interest you to know that arrangements and modalities to continue the second phase of Biometric Registration have been concluded and I assure you that the exercise will continue until the IDPs are all captured.
“As we commence this distribution to the Fourteen (14) IDP camps and host Communities, I want to inform you that the Governor has graciously mandated that food and non-food distribution should cover Agatu, Adoka-Otukpo, Jato-Aka and Nyihemba-Kwande, Ijama and Omusu-Okpokwu Local Government Areas of the state and this gesture is aimed at cushioning the hardship faced by victims of armed herdsmen in the affected communities.
Items distributed to the IDPs, beans, rice, maggi, garri, sugar, salt, mattresses and blankets.
He appreciated the IOM and Bornu SEMA for the quick facilitation of his visit and assured that Benue-SEMA under his watch will not condone anyone sabotaging of its efforts to reach out to the displaced population.