By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has expressed his government’s readiness to provide life-saving assistance and work towards the closure of IDP camps.
Governor Alia said this on Wednesday when he received a high-level delegation from the United Nations (UN), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the North-East Ambassadors Group at Government House Makurdi.
Represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, the governor acknowledged the support of the UN IOM and assured that the state government would not disappoint them.
The governor emphasized that the RRP initiative would go a long way in restoring hope for the displaced population, aligning with the state’s durable plan and commitment to aiding Persons of Concern.
While describing the visit as a significant one, the governor appreciated them for their immense support and said their visit to launch the Rapid Response Plan (RRP) underscored their unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts in Benue.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on External Security, Col. Alexander Ashungu (retired) in his comment, noted that since 2010, Benue people have faced severe attacks by armed herders, leading to significant displacement.
He acknowledged the current government’s modest efforts to address the humanitarian situation and commended the governor’s strategic security measures, which are yielding positive results. He invited the delegation to support the government in meeting the needs and aspirations of the Benue people.
The leader of delegation and Chief of Mission for IOM Nigeria, Mr. Laurent De Bojeck, who highlighted the importance of the Rapid Response Plan in providing durable solutions to displacement, emphasized the dire health needs of the displaced population and looked forward to greater cooperation in achieving safe and sustainable solutions for displacement in Benue State.
The governor later in the day led the delegation to Ichwa IDP camp where they flagged off the distribution of dignity kits to the IDPs at the camp.
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