From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) yesterday disclosed that it has treated over 16 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of snake bites even as he also said plans were underway to fumigate all IDP camps to prevent further occurrences.The Executive Secretary of SEMA, James Iorpuu revealed this during the distribution of food and non-food items to the displaced persons IDPs in Makurdi.

Iorpuu said that the recently concluded biometric exercise carried out by the International Organisation for Migration(IOM) for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue State submitted to the Agency, indicated that there were currently 500,182 IDPs in the State. He stated that the figures were obtained from across 14 official camps in the State.The SEMA said that in the bid to effectively engage the inmates, the agency has set up Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) farm projects in Kwande, Logo, and Gwer-West local government areas to boost food production in the State.According to him, the farms are not just about food production; they represent hope, empowerment, and self-reliance for the displaced communities and allow IDPs to contribute to their well-being, while also addressing food insecurity in the camps.He explained that despite the success recorded so far in recent months, the agency is faced with the tragic challenge of snake bites among our IDP populations.”I am pleased to report that we have successfully treated over 15 cases across various camps, thanks to the swift action of our health teams and the support from our partners.”As a follow up to reduce the occurrence of the prevalence of the snake bites, all IDP camps including Ikyogen refugee camp have been fumigated. However, we still require additional medical supplies and support to prevent further tragedies. I urge our partners, both local and international, to continue supporting us in this crucial area. “The World Bank is doing wonderfully well to resettle IDPs back to their ancestral homes by constructing 50 units of shelters in Nyihemba, Kwande Local Government beginning from September, 2024.”I want to particularly thank Governor Hyacinth Alia, UN agencies, local and international partners, and the World Bank for their support for the construction of 50 units of shelters in Nyihemba, Kwande Local Government, and the 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.”Iorpuu therefore announced that measures were being taken to resolve the issues and ensure timely delivery of relief materials.”I equally appealed for additional medical supplies and support to curb incessant snake bites in IDPs camps across the state”, he stated.