By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has commenced the review of biometric data and issuance of new identity cards to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps and host communities across the state.
The agency also distributed food and non-food items to the displaced persons during the exercise at its headquarters in Makurdi.
Speaking during the event, the Executive Secretary of BSEMA, Dr James Iorapuu, said the biometric review was to ensure proper documentation and inclusion of IDPs in ongoing humanitarian support.
Represented by the Director of Administration, Dr. Donald Komgbenda, Iorapuu said the government was working with development partners to improve the living conditions of displaced persons and support their gradual return to their communities.
He explained that some of the collaborative projects included the provision of solar-powered boreholes in returnee communities such as Tatyough in Makurdi LGA and the construction of housing and water facilities at Naka Dam in Gwer West LGA.
According to him, the relief items were meant to assist families as part of efforts to restore livelihoods and promote self-reliance among the displaced population.
Items distributed included 2,300 bags of 25-kilogram rice, 600 bags of beans, 1,600 cartons of noodles, 150 gallons of palm oil, 140 cartons of Maggi seasoning, 160 bags of salt, and 160 gallons of groundnut oil.
