By Citizenship Daily
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA has revealed the tragic incidence of snake bites suffered by the Internally Displacef Persons (IDPs) in the State.
Meanwhile, three staff of the agency who attempted to divert relief materials at Ichwa camp in North Bank part of Makurdi, the state capital, have been suspended and are facing interrogation.
The BSEMA Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu who disclosed this to newsmen during the monthly continuous distribution of food and non food items to the displaced population in the State, said they have successfully treated over 15 cases (which cost over 16 million naira) across various camps, due to swift action of their health teams and the support from other partners.
He said as a follow up to reduce the occurrence of the prevalence of the snake bites, all IDP camps including Ikyogen refugee camp has been fumigated, averring however, that they still require additional medical supplies and support to prevent further tragedies.
Sir Iorpuu also, announced that the agency in partnership which International Organization for Migration, IOM have verified over 500,182 displaced persons s in 14 camps in the State.
Hear him, “| urge our partners, both local and international, to continue supporting us in this crucial area.
“In response to the increasing security risks surrounding our Operations, Benue SEMA has taken proactive steps to ensure the Safety of our assets and personnel. | am pleased to announce that we have engaged a retired DSP on a consultancy basis to provide expert security advice. With his wealth of experience, we are confident that all Our Operations will be conducted under a more secure and coordinated framework moving forward.
“Amid these challenges, we have continued to receive immense support from our partners. | would like to extend our deepest appreciation to our UN agencies, local and international partners, particularly UNHCR, UNFPA, and IOM. Your recent interventions, including the distribution of dignity kits, the construction of shelters and the distribution of food and Non-Food Items (NFIs), will and have greatly alleviated the suffering of many IDPs.
“I would also like to express our deepest appreciation to the World Bank for its invaluable assistance to the Benue State Government to resettle our IDPs back to their ancestral homes. We are delighted to announce that the construction of 50 units of shelters in Nyihemba, Kwande Local Government, will commence this month. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of our displaced population. In recent months,
“Benue-SEMA is ready to commence our IDP farm projects in Kwande, Logo, and Gwer-West local government areas. These farms are not just about food production; they represent hope, empowerment, and self-reliance for our displaced communities. They will allow our IDPs to contribute to their well-being, while also addressing food insecurity in the camps.
“Benue-SEMA, like other government agencies, is open to public scrutiny. However, we will not tolerate individuals—especially misguided youths—seeking to tarnish my reputation or spread false information regarding the activities of the agency. The recent arrest of an individual who defamed my character by falsely accusing me of diverting relief materials should serve as a warning to others”.
