From Chaingi Avese, Makurdi
Benue State Government says it is set to become the first in North Central Nigeria to domesticate the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The primary objective of this policy is to strengthen institutional mechanisms and frameworks to uphold the rights, dignity, and well-being of vulnerable populations. It aims to mitigate the impact of internal displacement and achieve durable solutions in Nigeria.
The State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, made the revelation during the meeting on Durable Solutions; Peace/Stability and Development held in Abuja.
During a special session with development partners, Governor Alia, announced Benue State Government’s significant commitment to providing durable solutions for IDPs within the state.
“Let me emphasized that Benue’s proactive approach aligns with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ agenda and the global imperative to effectively address displacement challenges”, the governor said.
Speaking in his capacity as the Executive Secretary of BSEMA, Sir James Iorpuu commended the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development (FMHADMSD) for including Benue State in the National Policy on IDPs.
He highlighted the agency’s achievements over the past year to include converting seven unofficial IDP camps into full-fledged official camps, making a total of 14 camps. These camps cater to previously neglected IDPs, with provisions such as motorized boreholes, healthcare services, shelters, and the constant distribution of food and non-food items to improve the lives of IDPs and Cameronian refugees.
“I am delighted to inform you that the battle has been won. The North Central Region, particularly Benue State, is now included in the National Humanitarian Plan, which is strategic to finding durable solutions for internally displaced persons in the state,” Sir James Iorpuu stated.
The workshop on the ‘National Action Plan (NAP) for the Implementation of the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Spanning the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus’ had in attendance key humanitarian partners, including the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), who pledged to work with the Benue State Government and host communities to ensure that IDPs can return to their ancestral homes in a dignified manner.
