The Benue State Government has announced plans to enhance security, health, water, and other facilities in various Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across the state, in preparation for their eventual return to their ancestral homes.
Aondowase Kunde, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management and Chairman of the Task Force on Durable Solutions for IDPs in Benue State made this disclosure during the presentation of the framework for the state’s strategy on durable solutions to internal displacement.
Kunde emphasized that a survey has already been conducted to install hand-dug wells at the Ortese IDP Camp in Guma LGA, where attempts to drill boreholes were unsuccessful. He assured the IDPs that Governor Hyacinth Alia is actively addressing their concerns and is committed to finding lasting solutions to their problems.
Acknowledging the challenges of insecurity and inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in the camps, Kunde reiterated the government’s determination to ensure the departure of armed herdsmen from the state so that IDPs can safely return home. He also promised that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) will continue to provide food and other supplies to the IDPs until they can return.
Earlier, Adewole Oke, the UNDP representative on Durable Solutions in Benue State, praised Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration for its efforts to improve conditions for IDPs in the state. Oke also recognized Robert Piper, the secretary and special adviser on solutions to internal displacement, and the Benue State task force committee on durable solutions for their collaboration and contributions to the governor’s initiatives.
Oke emphasized that their collaborative efforts have resulted in significant progress towards implementing the recommendations of the framework, which advocates for a developmental approach to resolving internal displacement in Benue State. He highlighted the socio-economic impact of internal displacement on affected communities and stressed the need for long-term, integrated, and gender-responsive solutions to address the root causes of displacement.
Furthermore, Oke pledged that restoring human security and dignity would be central to rebuilding a prosperous and safer Benue State. Meanwhile, IDPs who spoke at the event appealed to the federal and dignity would be central to rebuilding a prosperous and safer Benue State. Meanwhile, IDPs who spoke at the event appealed to the federal and state governments for assistance, citing issues such as hunger, lack of water, inadequate shelter, healthcare, and other essential facilities.
