Map of Benue State
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
The Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu has assured that the Benue State Government was maintaining strong collaboration with the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, as well as with other critical stakeholders to continue to support the resettlement and empowerment of displaced persons.
Speaking during the distribution of food and nonfood items to the IDPs across the state on Friday the Executive Secretary, who is also a Permanent Secretary, noted with satisfaction the efforts of the State Government for the empowerment and resettlement of the IDPs.
The BSEMA boss assured the IDPs that “your cries have not gone unheard. Governor Alia remains fully committed to your safe return and dignified resettlement. As an agency, we are working round the clock to facilitate this process with sensitivity and sincerity.Ladies and gentlemen, while the state government continues to intensify efforts aimed at returning our people to their ancestral homes, we are also fostering a peaceful and harmonious environment where IDPs can coexist with host communities—promoting mutual respect and brotherhood.”
Dr. Iorpuu reiterated that the Benue State Government has secured and cleared several hectares of land and formed over 200 cooperatives for the IDPs adding, that about 280 hectares of farmland have been allocated. The IDP farm projects, which have already been launched as part of the government’s sustainable empowerment programmes, will be further expanded.”
Iorpuu who appreciated partners from the United Nations, INGOs, local NGOs, the media as well as civil society groups who have continued to complement the state government’s efforts also appreciated the security agencies who continue to work with them to ensure that the interventions reach the right people without compromise.
While acknowledging the consistent support of the Governor to IDPs, Cameroonian refugees, and vulnerable populations across the state said the agency would continue to implement the Double Solutions Plan for IDPs and called on the Federal Government to support durable solutions for displaced citizens and improve national security.
He expressed the belief that the Double Solution plan would enable farmers to return to their communities and regain self-sufficiency.
According to the BSEMA boss, this monthly intervention, under the directive and continued support of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia was a testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and dignity of our displaced citizens.
He lamented the persistence of the humanitarian challenges being faced in the state, largely due to ongoing insecurity, especially at the border and conflict-prone communities.
“Yet, in the face of these daunting realities, we have remained consistent in delivering timely interventions — and today’s activity is a further demonstration of that commitment.”
The BSEMA boss announced his resolve to personally tour all the IDP camps across the state in the coming weeks to better appreciate the conditions on the ground, interface directly with camp officials and IDPs, and identify areas where immediate and long-term interventions were needed.
Iorpuu informed that the Fr. Alia Conference Hall which was a key project of Benue SEMA and was nearing completion revealed that when the facility is commissioned, it would serve as a vital hub for humanitarian coordination, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building sessions for SEMA staff and partners, insisting that it was part of their broader effort to institutionalize a culture of excellence, transparency, and innovation within the humanitarian sector in Benue State.
