From Joseph Uchenna, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has procured and distributed food and non- food items to Internally Displaced persons, IDPs from the over 1.2 billion intervention from the first Lady of Nigeria Sen Oluremi Tinubu, Nasarawa State government United Bank of Africa UBA and Department of State Services.
This is even as it has completed 26 houses out of 50 earmarked houses for displaced persons in Yelwata.
Technical Committee chairman on the implementation of the intervention of Her Excellency – the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the Nassarawa State Government, UBA and DSS to the Yelewata Attack victims, Mrs Deborah Aber disclosed this to newsmen on Friday at the secretariat of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA.
Mrs Aber who is also, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG noted that the distribution has coincided with the yuletide season, a period which symbolises hope, love, compassion, and renewed faith in humanity.
She said in local government areas like Agatu, Otukpo, Ohimini and Apa where there are no camps, the materials will be handed to stakeholders including traditional Chiefs to identify displaced persons for distribution to them.
Represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Aondowase Kunde said aside the ongoing distribution of food and non-food material items, they have embarked on resettlement (construction of new Houses for a cluster settlement – already ongoing in Yelwata, Conditional Cash Transfer to 1000 beneficiaries across the Camps and host communities, WASH (which has already drilled 3 boreholes in Yelewata) Agricultural Support, Education, among others.
According to her, ‘from these combined funds, essential food items such as rice, maize, beans, garri,vegetable oil, and condiments were procured, alongside critical non-food items including blankets, mats, toiletries, and many other household essentials’.
She said that the State is are equally grateful for the remarkable humanitarian support received from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints, whose donation of food and non-food items has significantly strengthened our response capacity.
She said “beyond the distribution of relief items, these collective donations have enabled other notable interventions aimed at improving the dignity and well-being of IDPs, these include enhanced nutrition support for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as the reinforcement of camp-level support services.
“One particularly outstanding outcome of our broader collaboration with partners is the commencement of a gigantic water treatment plant in Naka, Gwer-West Local Government Area. This critical infrastructure will provide access to safe and clean water not only for IDPs but also for surrounding host communities. It stands as a long-term, sustainable intervention that promotes public health, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence.
“These achievements align with the vision and commitment of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State, whose administration has consistently prioritised the welfare, safety, and dignity of displaced persons. Under his leadership, Benue State remains firmly committed to transitioning from emergency relief to durable solutions for displacement.
“To our Internally Displaced Persons, let me assure you that you are not forgotten. The Benue State Government, through SEMA and in partnership with local, national, and international stakeholders, remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting you—not only in moments like this but through sustained interventions focused on resettlement, livelihood restoration, access to basic services, and improved living conditions.
“I urge all stakeholders to uphold the Principles of fairness, transparency, and cooperation to ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive what has been provided for them.
“On behalf of IDPs and the Benue State Government, I sincerely thank Her Excellency, the First Lady of Nigeria; the Nassarawa state Government, UBA, DSS, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Saints and all our partners and donors for standing with Benue State during these challenging times”.
