From Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Mr Tijani Ahmed has said that efforts of cushioning the living conditions of IDPs in the camps is a priority of the Federal Government and ongoing.
Mr Tijani Ahmed, stated this during the flag off of distribution of relief materials at Ichwa IDPs camp in Makurdi on Wednesday. The items included, sewing machines, mattresses, food stuff and other household items.
According to the Federal Commissioner, “President Bola Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda was working tirelessly to tackle the challenges of insecurity in the state and facilitate the IDPs return to their ancestral homes”.
Mr Ahmed stressed that, “the primary aim of the Federal Government was to ensure that peace and security is restored in Benue and through out Nigeria, so that the IDPs can return to their homes and rebuild their lives”.
“The Commission is working hard in collaboration with the State Government to address the humanitarian challenges and provide lasting solutions. The plight of our dear brothers and sisters who have been forced to flee their homes by conflict remains of deep concern.
My dear brothers and sisters, I have seen you beaten by rain and scorched by the sun because you live in dilapidated make shift shelters. You have fled your homes and left behind your farm lands and lost your livelihoods. As a Commission, we are not oblivious of the situation you face.” Mr. Ahmed said
He further assured that the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, is fully committed to assisting IDPs with relief materials in the short term and livelihood restoration, housing, education for your children and healthcare for all.
He added that, “as a gesture of our commitment, today, we will distribute some food items, non food items and empowerment materials. I assure you that we will come back to provide you with more support and more sustainable interventions”.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. James Iorpuu, said Ichwa camp had a total population of 14,229 people made up of 2403 households.
Also, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Mr Aondowase Kunde, said the State has 21 IDPs camps with over 2 million population as a result of herders attacks.
Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor, Mr. Paul Biam commended the team and FG for their support to end Insurgency and support victims in the state.
He pledged the state government’s support to any organization willing to support the welfare of IDPs and their safe return to their ancestral homes as planned by the current administration.
