FG flags off distribution of relief items to IDPs

The Federal Government on Tuesday flagged off the distribution of relief items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue state.

Performing the ceremony in Makurdi, the Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Mrs Sadiya Farouq, said the materials were to ameliorate the IDPs needs.

Farouq said they were in the state for the symbolic distribution of the relief materials and to obtain first hand assessment of the IDPs situation in Benue state.

“Our focus as a commission is to drive the process of ensuring the return and reintegration of the IDPs, to restore sense of dignity to the affected communities like Agatu, Guma, and Logo Local Government Areas where most of the clashes occurred.

“To achieve this, we are designing a practical Durable Solution Strategy with a life span of three years to provide various durable solutions options for the IDPs,’’ she said.

She disclosed that the commission was working on ways to facilitate the domestication of the Kampala Convention, pursuing the approval for the National IDPs Policy and amendment of NCFRMI act.

The Commissioner further said that the commission was committed to the provision of food, non-food items and offering of skills across the country for the IDPs.

Some of the items donated were: rice, school materials, cooking utensils, sugar, cloths, plastics, toiletries, welding machines and hair clippers.

In his remarks, Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, commended the Federal Government for remembering the IDPs despite the recession in the country.

Ortom, who was represented by the Acting Secretary to the Government, Dr Bem Melladu, urged the federal government and other donor agencies to assist the state in the upkeep and reintegration of the IDPs.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr Boniface Ortese, Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) appealed to the commission to train the IDPs in the use of the donated machines for effective usage and improved self reliance of the IDPs.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, an IDP, Mr Michael Agom, disclosed that the menace of cattle on their farmlands have destroyed his entire farmland.

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Agom said that the situation was becoming unbearable for them as they have nothing to eat as herdsmen have allegedly taken over their homes and farmlands.