The Benue State government has distributed over 2,250 bags of rice to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the state.
The Executive Secretary of Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Mr. James Iorpuu, distributed the items on Monday in Makurdi.
He said the relief materials will also be extended to vulnerable people in other areas like Ikyogen Refugee Camp, orphanages, and school for the gifted.
Iorpuu commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his commitment to humanitarian efforts and expressed gratitude to other organizations for their interventions.
He said Benue-SEMA has not relented in its efforts to address the challenges and support systems for IDPs over the past months.
“One of our key achievements is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, to provide effective and continuous healthcare services to our IDPs.
“This partnership fills the critical gap left by Medecins Sans Frontieres, MSF, exit and ensures that our displaced population continues to receive the medical care they deserve.
“We are also in the process of finalising MoUs with the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company, BDIC, and the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security.
“These partnerships too will equip the agency with cutting-edge technology, including a Command and Control Center for real-time monitoring, surveillance, and enhanced security management.”
Mr Iorpuu said the agency has relocated IDPs through its partner, the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, from Baka, NEPA Quarters, and parts of Ichwa camps to the newly established transit camp at Mbayongo on Gbajimba Road.
“They also assisted us by constructing 380 shelters in Gbajimba 1 Camp and 690 shelters in Gbajimba Il Camp, freeing up schools previously occupied by IDPs and thereby allowing our children to regain access to education.”