By Amos Aar
BENUE State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, marked this year’s Democracy Day by visiting internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Naka, Gwer West LGA, where relief materials were distributed to support them.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, presented 200 bags of rice (25kg each), 200 bags of garri (25kg each), 200 cartons of Indomie noodles, 10 gallons of groundnut oil, and 50 mattresses to the displaced persons.
During the visit, Kunde cautioned against the dissemination of misinformation on social media regarding insecurity in the state, urging residents to report concerns through official channels for prompt government action.
He described the Naka IDP camp as the largest in Benue and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of the displaced.
“This event is part of the Democracy Day commemoration, aimed at demonstrating solidarity with the IDPs and reassuring them of government support. His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia, stands with them, and we are optimistic that, through our renewed efforts, they will soon return to their homes.
The relief items provided today are a testament to our resolve to bring them hope,” Kunde stated.
He also advised the IDPs to avoid open defecation, noting that plans were underway to provide proper sanitation facilities. “Next week, we will commence a joint assessment of IDP camps with United Nations agencies, international partners, and civil society organizations.
We will prioritize interventions, particularly in addressing the lack of clean water in this camp,” he added. The commissioner further disclosed plans to extend water supply from a nearby dam to the camp.
Gwer West Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ormin Victor Torsar, commended the governor’s security interventions, particularly the deployment of a military formation led by Lt. Col. S.O. Lawal. “This is the first time an officer of such rank has been stationed here.
His mandate is to establish a security presence and combat banditry, enabling our people to return to their farms. This initiative followed Governor Alia’s appeal to the federal government for assistance,” Torsar explained.
The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, condemned alleged collusion between some locals and herders, warning perpetrators to desist or face legal consequences.
He revealed that he, alongside the Ter Tyoshin, HRH Daniel Abomtse, had also been displaced by the crisis.
Lt. Col. S.O. Lawal, the commanding officer, assured the IDPs of improved security and appealed for community cooperation.
“We are here to restore peace, and with your support, this goal will be achieved. I urge you to provide credible information to aid our operations. Your return to your villages is imminent,” he said.
Earlier, the Ter Tyoshin, HRH Daniel Abomtse, lauded Governor Alia’s security measures, noting that eight out of 15 previously occupied council wards had been reclaimed.
While acknowledging progress, he expressed concern over the large number of people still in IDP camps and called for sustained efforts.
Retired Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan, Director General of Homeland Security, outlined ongoing security strategies and encouraged residents to remain steadfast in supporting efforts to reclaim their communities.
