Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Following the recent attacks that have displaced over four thousand residents of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, the Benue State Government has taken swift action to address the humanitarian crisis.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management/Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, while acting on the Governor’s directive visited the two temporary IDP camps at Abaji-Kpav (Mechihi Council Ward) and Tongov-Gbor (Tighir Council Ward).
The BSEMA boss, who was represented by a Permanent Secretary, Mr. Gaius Zegeh reassured the displaced persons that the Governor was deeply aware of their plight.
Sir Iorpuu, who emphasized that displacement brings severe hardship, said Governor Alia remains committed to not only providing immediate relief but also ensuring a lasting solution to the attacks.
According to him, “His excellency has sent us to assess the situation firsthand. In his characteristic compassion, he will bring swift intervention to support you while working on a permanent resolution to these security challenges,”
The Permanent Secretary appealed to all indigenes of Katsina-Ala to unite in tackling the persistent security threats in the region.
Present during the visit were:Hon. Solomon Wombo, the House of Representatives member representing Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo Federal Constituency, alongside Hon. Shaku Justin Orangoholga, Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government, who lauded the governor for his prompt response.
The two politicians assured the IDPs that relief materials would be delivered swiftly and reiterated their confidence in Governor Alia’s determination to end the cycle of violence in the area.
Traditional and other opinion leaders, including the Acting Kindred Head of Tighir, Chief Teghegh Ibya, the National President of Tongov Development Association, Hon. Dr. Orvaga Tsea, and Hon. Tiza Benjamin Ngumter, Councilor of Tighir Council Ward and Leader of Katsina-Ala Legislative Council, provided distressing details of the attacks.
The statistics provided were casualties: 13 people confirmed dead, several others injured, 14 villages Burnt, settlements destroyed and two camps were opened.
At Abaji-Kpav Camp, a total of displaced persons were 3,223, men: 540, Women: 1,620 | Children: 1,063, about 538 households were destroyed while pregnant women were 102, nursing mothers314 even as people with special needs were 17.
At Gbor IDP camp a total of displaced persons were 1,215. men: 217, women:, 605, Children: 319 total households 203 with 24 pregnant women, 52 nursing mothers and 7 people with special needs.
