By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has begun the distribution of food and non-food relief items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups across the state for the month of June.
SEMA operates under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Wednesday, was conducted by the Head of Administration of Benue SEMA, Dr. Donald Komgbenda, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Sir James Anodoakaa Iorpuu.
Speaking to journalists, Dr. Komgbenda conveyed the permanent secretary’s appreciation for the state government’s ongoing efforts to assist displaced persons affected by repeated attacks from armed herdsmen.
“This distribution, which started earlier in the week at the Mbayongo Mega Camp and in Apa LGA, demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring no vulnerable individual is neglected,” he said.
Iorpuu acknowledged the efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia in tackling the state’s humanitarian and security challenges.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deploying the Chief of Army Staff to Benue, describing the move as a crucial step toward restoring peace in the region.
Iorpuu also issued a warning based on a recent forecast from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which identified Benue as a high-risk area for flooding in the coming months. He advised residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer locations and urged the public to take necessary precautions while government agencies implement preventive measures.
The Permanent Secretary called for sustained collaboration from stakeholders, partners, and the public to help restore stability and dignity to the lives of displaced persons in Benue.
The relief items distributed in June include; 125 bags of rice; 965 bags of beans; 475 bags of garri (25kg); 1,225 cartons of Indomie noodles; 105 gallons of palm oil; 19 gallons of groundnut oil; 43 bags of salt; 15 cartons of Maggi seasoning; and 70 bags of sugar
Iorpuu reaffirmed SEMA’s dedication to providing continuous humanitarian aid and working toward the eventual resettlement of all displaced persons in the state.
