Benue SEMA Begins Biometric Review of IDPs, Distributes Relief Materials

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has commenced the review of biometric data and issuance of new identity cards to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps and host communities across the state.

Briefing the media during the distribution of food and non-food items at the agency’s headquarters in Makurdi, the Executive Secretary of BSEMA, Sir James Iorapuu, PhD, said the exercise was aimed at ensuring proper documentation and inclusion of the IDPs.

Represented by the Director of Administration, Dr. Donald Komgbenda, the Executive Secretary thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he described as his “visionary leadership to bring hope, relief, and dignity” to the displaced population in the state.

Sir Iorapuu acknowledged the challenges facing the IDPs but expressed optimism that the governor’s practical demonstration of compassion, coupled with his determination to address their plight, has made the task of overcoming those challenges less daunting.

He explained that “beyond meeting immediate needs, Governor Alia’s administration is taking deliberate and strategic steps to restore livelihoods and rebuild communities.”

According to the Executive Secretary, partnerships with donor agencies have yielded positive results, including the provision of solar-powered boreholes in returnee communities such as Tatyough in Makurdi Local Government Area. He added that the food and non-food items distributed were meant to assist families in rebuilding their lives.

Similarly, he noted that the collaboration had led to the provision of housing and water projects at Naka Dam in Gwer West Local Government Area, reinforced by the construction of a water treatment plant to end water scarcity within the camp and surrounding communities.

He emphasized that the ongoing efforts were not only to provide relief materials but also to restore dignity, promote self-reliance, and ensure the “safe and sustainable return of our displaced populations.”

Giving a breakdown of the items distributed, Sir Iorapuu disclosed that 2,300 bags of 25-kilogram rice, 600 bags of beans, 1,600 cartons of Indomie noodles, 150 gallons of palm oil, 140 cartons of Maggi seasoning, 160 bags of salt, and 160 gallons of groundnut oil were released to the target beneficiaries.