The Benue State Government, on Friday, distributed relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), vulnerable groups and Cameroonian refugees in Kwande LGA.

Dr James Iorpuu, Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, who flagged off the distribution in Makurdi.

Iorpuu, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, said that the agency would continue to strive to meet its mandate to the people.

The executive secretary said that the monthly intervention was a testament to Gov. Hyacinth Alia’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and dignity of the displaced citizens.

He said the state officially now has 618,000 IDPs, adding that though there were more attacks, the displaced people were yet to be profiled by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

“I must acknowledge the persistence of the humanitarian challenges we face in the state, largely due to ongoing insecurity, especially in our border and conflict-prone communities.

“Yet, in the face of these daunting realities, we have remained consistent in delivering timely interventions, and today’s activity is a further demonstration of that commitment,” Iorpuu said.

He stated that he would visit all the IDP camps in the state to strengthen field operations, monitor humanitarian conditions firsthand and deepen engagement with the displaced populations.

The permanent secretary disclosed that the agency did not receive any funding in February and March, therefore resulting in the non-distribution of relief materials in those months.

Iorpuu added that the ongoing construction of the Fr Alia Conference Hall, which was 90 per cent completed, was a key project of Benue SEMA.

He assured the IDPs of Alia’s commitment to ensure their safe return to their ancestral homes and dignified resettlement.

“As an agency, we are working round the clock to facilitate this process with sensitivity and sincerity.

“While the state government continues to intensify efforts aimed at returning our people to their ancestral homes, we are also fostering a peaceful and harmonious environment where IDPs can coexist with host communities, promoting mutual respect and brotherhood.

“Recall that the Benue State Government has secured and cleared several hectares of land and formed over 200 cooperatives for the IDPs.

“Additionally, about 280 hectares of farmland have been allocated. The IDP farm projects, which have already been launched as part of the government’s sustainable empowerment programmes, will be further expanded,” he said.

He appealed to the Federal Government to support the implementation of durable solutions for displaced citizens in the state and improve national security.

Iorpuu listed items to be distributed to include: 2,015 bags of rice, 1,305 bags of beans, 455 bags of garri, 1,505 cartons of noodles, 126 gallons of groundnut oil, 154 gallons of red oil, 102 cartons of seasoning, 99 bags of salt and 89 bags of sugar. (NAN)