From TERESE TUHWA, Makurdi
The Acting Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), James Iorpuu has assured Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) that the state governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia was working tirelessly to collaborate with local and International partners to bring a permanent solution to their plight.
Iorpuu stated this recently when he led a team of Disaster Assessment Response Team (DART) from the United States Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (U.S BHA) to the IDP camps in continuation of their needs and impact assessment tour.
He said the camp to camp tour by the international body was in line with Governor Alia’s comprehensive humanitarian response that was people-centred, context-specific, contributing to community resilience and provision of durable solutions to protracted internal displacement.
The BSEMA ES along with US BHA’s delegation and key partners, visited Gbajimba Camp II, Daudu Camp II and Ortese IDP Camps all in Guma Local Government Area of the state
Headed by Mr. Patrick Robin, the delegation while interacting with the camp management, IDPs and representatives of host communities, said the visit was to get first hand information about the IDPs’ situation and present their report as well as explore how best the US government could collaborate and work together with Benue State government in alleviating their sufferings.
“The humanitarian challenges facing Benue State are huge and require a strong and comprehensive response”. Patrick Robin said.
During the visit, some of the IDPs were asked what triggered a humanitarian crisis and their most pressing needs and they provided the team with valuable information for their plight and concern, calling for adequate, strong and inclusive security from government to ensure their safe return to their ancestral homes to continue with their normal life.
