By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
The Acting Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), James Iorapuu has restated the state government commitment to collaborate with humanitarian partners both local and international to continue to carter for the needs of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state as well as explore ways that will proffer both short and long term solutions to IDPs problem.
Mr. Iorapuu disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing to mark the distribution of food and non food items to the displaced population in the state held at BSEMA headquarters.
He said the exercise was to ease the pains suffered by the displaced, assuring that the items would be distributed to the 14 camps across those local government areas that have witnessed humanitarian crisis in one form or the order.
Governor Alia, the BSEMA Executive Secretary informed has graciously directed that food and non food distribution should cover places of fresh attacks such as Agatu, Adoka- Otukpo, Jato-aka, Nyihemba-Kwande, Ijama and Omusu in Okpokwu Local Government Areas, stating that the move was to cushion the hardship faced by victims of renewed attacks on communities.
This distribution according to him, signified the governor’s sustained passion and unflinching commitment to the cause of IDPs as well as other people needing special attention” Iorpuu pointed out, adding that the delay in distribution was caused by the daily increase in prices which has taken a toll on government coffers.
The BSEMA boss insisted that the practical and bold steps taken by the Agency in collaboration with support partners have enhanced his recent tour to Borno state sponsored by the International Organization for Migration, IOM which he noted has provided opportunity for the state to explore potential avenues as well as establish effective partnership with other humanitarian partners, announcing that some of the international organisations have accepted to shift their intervention to Benue State.
Iorapuu revealed also that BSEMA in collaboration with IOM has just concluded training/ capacity building for BSEMA staff adding that United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, has moved to Benue permanently to add its expertise and provide manpower to complement government efforts, pointing out that the International 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 over 210 households.
He announced that arrangement were on to resume the second phase of Biometrics Verification and registration of all IDPs in the state and assured that the exercise would continue until IDPs in the state are captured.
While appreciating international partners for their support he particularly commended the IOM for facilitating his visit to Borno state which he said has already started yielding positive results, reassuring that the Agency under his watch would continue to uphold virtues of accountability as well as remain committed in line with the present administration’s programmes and promised that BSEMA under his leadership will not condone any act of sabotage.
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