Benue SEMA distributes relief materials to IDPs, refugees

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BENUE-SEMA), has distributed food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees in Benue State, for the month of DECEMBER, 2024.

Executive Secretary SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, who briefed the press at SEMA headquarters in Makurdi on Monday said the distribution was another milestone in the shared commitment to the welfare and well-being of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Benue State, including those in the Ikyogen Refugee Camp.

He reaffirm our steady dedication to meeting the urgent needs of displaced families and individuals, ensuring that no one is left behind in their journey toward recovery and stability.

He said “Over the past months, Benue-SEMA has taken decisive steps to enhance our emergency response and support systems for IDPs. One of our key achievements is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) to provide effective and continuous healthcare services to our IDPs.

“This partnership fills the critical gap left by Medecins Sans Frontieres’ (MSF) exit and ensures that our displaced population continues to receive the medical care they deserve. We are also in the process of finalizing MoUs with the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) and the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security.

“These partnerships too will equip BENUE-SEMA with cutting-edge technology, including a Command and Control Center for real-time monitoring, surveillance, and enhanced security management.”

He noted that SEMA has also relocated IDPs through the partner International Organization for Migration (IOM) from Baka, NEPA Quarters, and parts of Ichwa camps to the newly established transit camp at Mbayongo along Gbajimba Road.

He said the relocation aims to improve living conditions and enhance the safety and security of our displaced populations while awaiting the soon-to-launch Benue state durable solution.

He also stated that IOM has recently completed the construction of a water plant at Ortese Community, addressing the longstanding water scarcity in the area.

“They also assisted us by constructing 380 shelters in Gbajimba 1 Camp and 690 shelters in Gbajimba Il Camp, freeing up schools previously occupied by IDPs and thereby allowing our children to regain access to education.”

He also stated that the UNHCR have recently provided four motorbikes and two laptop computers to enhance SEMA’s field operations, ensuring efficient service delivery across all camps.

He also announce that Benue SEMA has acquired new operational vehicles to ensure more efficient distribution of food and non-food items, a step which strengthens their capacity to reach those in need promptly and effectively, reinforcing our zero tolerance stance on any form of diversion.

The SEMA boss also stated that in response to the devastating impact of recent floods in Makurdi, Benue SEMA has distributed relief materials to affected communities, providing much-needed support to help them rebuild their lives

Furthermore, we are making significant progress in our collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) team. This initiative aims to cover all displaced populations across Benue communities, ensuring comprehensive data collection and informed decision-making in our humanitarian interventions.

He appreciated the unwavering support of Governor Hyacinth Alia, whose leadership and vision continue to inspire their work and to partners, donors, and all stakeholders who stand with the state in the critical mission expressing commitment to restore dignity, foster resilience, and build lasting solutions for our IDPs