The United State Government has planned to visit Benue State over the humanitarian situation in the camps of displaced people in the state.
The acting Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. James Iorpuu, disclosed that arrangements have been concluded by the US government officials to visit the state next year to intervene in the humanitarian crises.
Iorpuu, while fielding questions from journalists in his office in Makurdi, explained that arrangements have reached an advanced stage for the US government officials to formally visit Benue State in January neºxt year for necessary action.
According to the SEMA boss, “Benue State has been launched in the global map through the ongoing biometric data exercise which is being carried out by international organisations to ascertain the actual number of the IDPs in the camps.
“We’re happy that the international communities are aware of the Benue State IDP situation through the biometric data exercise.”
“We have been sending the figures online. I am also happy to say that the United States of America’s Government is now interested in the Benue State IDP’s situation.”
The acting executive secretary maintained that Benue State Government has accorded humanitarian crises in the state topmost priority, stressing that it was the reason the government created the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
He said: “The governor is not joking about the humanitarian crises we have in Benue State,” adding that Governor Alia is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that those in the IDPs return to their ancestral homes.
Iorpuu also commended international donor agencies for the support for Benue State humanitarian crisis.
He lauded efforts of development partners and the federal government through National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their continued support through supply of food and non-food relief items to IDPs in the state for the past seven years but noted that more has to be done, especially that the situation has overwhelmed the state.
Iorpuu equally acknowledged the commitment of other organisations, particularly the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is currently in the state carrying out biometric verification of all IDPs in the state with the view to ascertain the actual number of the displaced persons for better planning.
