The Federal Government recently reiterated its commitment to address humanitarian challenges bedevilling Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State.
Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Mr. Tijani Ahmed stated this during the flag off of distribution of relief materials at Ichwa IDPs camp in Makurdi.
The items distributed included sewing machines, mattresses, food stuffs and other household items.
Mr. Aliyu said the primary aim of the federal government was to ensure that peace and security were restored in the state and in Nigeria so that IDPs can return to their ancestral homes and rebuild their lives.
“The Commission is working hard to strengthen our collaboration with the State Government to address humanitarian challenges and provide durable solutions.
The plight of our dear brothers and sisters who have been forced to flee their homes by conflict is a pressing concern.
“My dear brothers and sisters, I have seen you beaten by rain and scorched by the sun because you live in dilapidated makeshift shelters. You have fled your homes and left behind your farm lands and lost your livelihoods. As a Commission, we are not oblivious of the numerous hardships you face, “he said.
The federal commissioner further assured that the Commission was fully committed to the plight of IDPs and would continue to support them in every way possible.
“I want to assure you that as Federal Commissioner of The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, we are fully committed to assisting you with relief materials in the short term and livelihood restoration, housing, education for your children and healthcare for all.
“We are working with the state government to provide you with a durable solution. As a gesture of our commitment, today, we will distribute some food items, non food items and empowerment materials. I assure you that we will come back to provide you with more support and more sustainable interventions,” he said.
Mr. Aliyu explained that while efforts at improving the living conditions of IDPs in the camps were ongoing, President Bola Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda was working tirelessly to tackle challenges of insecurity in the state and facilitate the return of IDPs to their ancestral homes.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. James Iorpuu said Ichwa camp has a total population of 14,229 people made up of 2403 households.
Also, the state Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Mr. Aondowase Kunde said the state has 21 IDPs camps with over 2 million population as a result of herders’ attacks.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Paul Biam commended the team and federal government for their support to end Insurgency and support victims in the state. He pledged government’s support to any organisation willing to support welfare of IDPs and their safe return to their ancestral homes as planned by the current administration.
