From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA has commenced the biometric review and issuance of new identity cards to IDPs in camps and host communities to ensure proper documentation and inclusion.
Executive Secretary, BSEMA and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Dr. James Iorpuu disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen at the flag off of distribution of food and non food items to Internally Displaced Persons Camps.
He listed items to be distributed to include 2,300 25kg bags of rice, 600 bags of beans, 150 gallons of red oil, 140 cartons of maggi and 160 gallons of groundnut oil.
He said the review of data is been carried out by the International Organization for Migration, IOM in line with the Durable Solution and IDPS strategic solution launched by the State government in collaboration with development partners, maintaining that the government is still discussing and planning strategies to implement the durable solution.
He intimated that money donated by Nasarawa Governor Sule Abdullahi and first Lady Sen Remi Tinubu is being disbursed to the 15 IDPs Camp in the State.
He said, “Governor Alia’s administration is taking
deliberate and strategic steps to restore livelihoods and rebuild communities in collaboration with our partners.
“Through our partnership with the UNHCR, solar-powered boreholes have been drilled in returnee communities such as Tatyough in Makurdi Local Government Area, where food and non-food items were also distributed to assist families in rebuilding their lives.
“Likewise, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), we have initiated housing and water projects at Naka Dam, including the construction of a water treatment plant aimed at addressing the persistent challenge of water scarcity in Naka IDP Camp and surrounding host communities.
“These efforts mirror Governor Alia’s Renewed Hope vision, one that seeks not just to provide relief but to restore dignity, promote self-reliance, and ensure the safe and sustainable return of our displaced populations.
“Let me use this opportunity to express deep appreciation to our international and local partners, as well as our sister Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), for their continued collaboration. Your support aligns perfectly with our Durable Solutions Plan for IDPs and remains crucial to the success of our humanitarian response.
“More than 70 to 80 IDPS have returned and are been rehabilitated, reintegrated and resettled”.
