Benue govt relocates IDPs to mega camp

By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –

The Benue State Government has commenced the relocation of the Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs) to mega camps.

The Benue State Government in collaboration with International Organisation for Migration(IOM) has already set aside over five thousand units for the IDPs at the Mega camp at Mbayongo community along Gbajimba road in Guma Local Government Area of the state.

NATIONAL ACCORD correspondent, who monitored the relocation of the IDPs from NEPA quarters in North Bank area of Makurdi gathered that the IDPs were happy to move to the mega camp.

In his comment, a 60-year old IDP, Akase Koo, said he was happy to move to the Mega camp.

The victim said he had stayed in that camp for about seven years and to relocate to another place according to him was was a good development and appreciated the Benue State Government for the gesture.

The  camp manager, Chagu Emmanuella, while speaking to NATIONAL ACCORD appreciated the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia for the support to the IDPs throughout their days at the camp and expressed the hope that the governor would maintain the spirit.

Other officials of the camp including Mbafan Hwakar, Samuel Igbudu among others also expressed gratitude for the relocation of the IDPs to the mega camp and as well lauded the state government efforts in putting smiles on the faces of the IDPs.

Speaking with journalists at the mega camp, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) Executive Secretary, James Iorapuu, who was represented by the head of Information, Tema Ager, said the housing units already erected were about five thousand and more units were being erected.

The Executive Secretary disclosed that about eight hundred and thirty five persons from 171 households were relocated from the NEPA quarters.

According to him, the state government is providing facilities at the Mega camp including electricity, water, market,  hospital, school among other facilities for the benefit of the IDPs.

NATIONAL ACCORD checks revealed that the authorities concerned needed their facility – NEPA quarters – a development that necessitated the relocation of the IDPs. In addition, other displaced persons at Acwa and Baka have been relocated  to the mega camp.