The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has urgently appealed to the United Nations (UN) and other humanitarian partners to intervene and alleviate the humanitarian crisis faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in over 14 camps across the state.
Sir James Iorpuu, the Executive Secretary of BSEMA, made this plea during the monthly distribution of essential supplies to IDPs on Monday. Expressing deep concern over the dire conditions, particularly the lack of adequate shelter in new camps such as Agagbe, Ichwa, and Anyiin, he highlighted the pressing need for immediate assistance.
Iorpuu revealed that numerous camps, including one in Ukum-LGA, are overwhelmed by displaced individuals fleeing recent herder attacks in the area. The influx of displaced families has disrupted normal schooling as they have occupied school premises, causing significant educational disruptions for students.
He stressed the importance of providing suitable shelters to mitigate the hardships faced by IDPs temporarily residing in these schools, emphasizing the need for affected children to resume their regular academic routines.
Acknowledging the support received from organizations like NEMA and both international and local partners, Iorpuu commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for providing logistics assistance. He noted the governor’s directive to distribute food and relief items to the 14 existing and new IDP camps in Ukum as a compassionate response to the crisis.
