By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The ECOWAS Peace Fund, in partnership with UCARE Foundation, has provided humanitarian support to more than 2,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at camps in Makurdi, Benue State.
Speaking at the IDP Mega Camp in Mbayongo Council Ward, Makurdi Local Government Area, UCARE Foundation’s Communications Reporting Officer, Mr. Paul Uche, said the intervention was aimed at bringing relief to displaced persons.
“I am very satisfied with what UCARE Nigeria has done so far. We have provided free medical services, treated common illnesses, installed solar lights, and built modern toilet systems that are accessible to persons with special needs. We also provided a solar-powered borehole to give them clean and safe drinking water,” he said.
Uche added that the IDPs were appreciative of the support, stressing that the initiative would go a long way in easing their hardship.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Dr. James Iorpuu, represented by the Camp Manager, Mr. Mark Terver, described the intervention as timely.
“This support covers all categories of persons, including pregnant women, who were given maternity kits, and adolescent girls, who received dignity kits. We appreciate ECOWAS Peace Fund and UCARE Nigeria for providing toilet facilities, a borehole, and free medical outreach, among others,” he said.
Iorpuu also called on other humanitarian partners to assist IDPs, especially out-of-school children, to ensure access to quality education. He disclosed that 495 pupils in the camp are currently enrolled in classes from Basic One to Six, taught by 14 volunteer IDP teachers.
One of the beneficiaries, a pregnant woman, expressed joy after receiving free medical treatment.
“They prescribed medicine for me, and when I went to buy it, I was told it cost ₦7,500. I didn’t have the money, but today UCARE provided it free of charge. I am very grateful,” she said.
