From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
Several years after the establishment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ortese, a community in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state, relief has finally come the way of the occupants as they International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recently completed the construction of a water plant at the Community.
The Executive Secretary Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue SEMA), Sir James Iorpuu disclosed this while briefing newsmen in his office during the December food distribution to IDPs and refugees across the state.
Recall that after the camp was established in 2018 following displacement of victims of herdsmen attacks, the camp occupants have continued to suffer water scarcity.
Safe for the trucks of water supplied to the camp by Medicines San Frontieres Doctors Without Borders, (MSF), the IDPs usually trek distances into the communities to look for water at the stream.
Our correspondent reports that most time, they end up not returning alive as some have been attacked and killed by the terrorists while going to get water.
Speaking to newsmen, the visibly elated SEMA boss said the water plant would address the longstanding water scarcity in the area.
He also informed that IOM also assisted the state by constructing 380 shelters in Gbajimba 1 IDP Camp and 690 shelters in Gbajimba Il Camp to accommodate the occupants.
He noted that their gesture has freed up schools previously occupied by IDPs and thereby allowing children to regain access to education.
“We are making significant progress in our collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) team. This initiative aims to cover all displaced populations across Benue communities, ensuring comprehensive data collection and informed decision-making in our humanitarian interventions.”
He described the United Nations High commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as one of the strongest pillars in Benue humanitarian efforts, saying they have recently provided four motorbikes and two laptop computers to enhance their field operations, ensuring efficient service delivery across all camps.
Iorpuu also informed that, following his recent trip to Maiduguri, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative, Dr. Walter, has agreed to visit Benue State to assess the healthcare needs of the displaced population expressing confidence that the visit will be pivotal in shaping future health interventions.
He commended all partners, donors, and all stakeholders standing with Benue State Government in this critical mission urging them this “Let us continue to work together to restore dignity, foster resilience, and build lasting solutions for our IDPs.”