By Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

Benue State government has distributed food materials to Internally Displaced Persons in official camps and those camped in various host communities.

There are over 1.7 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State as a result of herdsmen’s attack on communities.

Briefing reporters during the distribution at SEMA headquarters yesterday in Makurdi, the state capital, the Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Emmanuel Shior said the Governor has directed him to carry out the distribution of food items to all the IDP camps and those in host communities.

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He acknowledged the Governor’s concern about the plight of the IDPs, expressing his commitment to continue to work with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure the safe return of IDPs to their ancestral homes.

Expressing the concern of the Governor on the increasing humanitarian crisis of the IDPs situation in Benue State, the SEMA boss said that “a few days ago the governor has set up a steering committee comprising Benue SEMA, Office of the SDG and NEPAD, relevant stakeholders, including the international and local NGOs as well as the security agencies to design a Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for IDPs in Benue State.

The SEMA boss appreciated the effort of the International and Local NGOs, saying their various interventions have meant well for the IDPs and Persons of Concern.

He also commended the Federal Government through NEMA that brings support to IDPs from time to time.

noting that the increasing problem of IDPs has placed a huge burden on Benue State Government and appealed to the relevant humanitarian partners to continue with their kind gestures.

Food items distributed included rice and noodles.