The Federal Government has stated its commitment towards restoring peace in Benue State as well as ensuring safe resetlement of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs.
The National Commissioner, Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, Mr Ahmed Tijani, made this disclosure when he visited the state to identify with the Internally Displaced Persons.
The Commissioner maintained that the Commission through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, was strengthening collaboration with the Benue State Government to address humanitarian issues as well as provide solutions to the plight of the displaced persons.
The delegation led by Mr Ahmed distributed relief materials including food and non food items to the Ichua Internally Displaced Persons’ camp in Makurdi.
In his remarks, the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, expressed readiness to work with any organization that is willing to support the welfare and safe return of IDPS to their ancestral homes.
The Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Paul Biam, stated that the desire of the present administration is to resettle the displaced persons as soon as possible, stressing that government alone can’t do it.
He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government over its efforts to end insurgency in the country. He particularly lauded the commission for its support towards ameliorating the sufferings of the victims of banditry attacks.
Also speaking, the Commissioner, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management in the state, Mr Aondowase Kunde, underscored the importance of the synergy of all stakeholders towards restoration of induring peace.
Mr Kunde explained that over two million people have been displaced following attacks by armed bandits, many of whom have taken refuge in 21 camps across the state.
The Acting Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Benue State, Mr James Iorpuu, disclosed that the Ichua camp is housing over fourteen thousand displaced persons made up of over two thousand house holds.
