- Governor Hyacinth Alia expresses concern over the displacement of over 1,000 households due to recent attacks by armed invaders
- Benue State currently hosts 500,182 displaced persons, facing inadequate shelter and limited access to essential services in various camps
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Thursday raised concerns over the displacement of over 1,000 households due to recent attacks by armed invaders in rural areas of the state.
The governor disclosed this during a meeting with the Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Paula Pace, and Alexandre Castellano, Head of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operation, at the Government House in Makurdi.
Governor Alia highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address the crisis and foster peace in affected communities. Despite efforts by his administration to curb the violence, the attacks persist.
According to the IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report from June 2024, Benue State currently hosts 500,182 displaced persons, accounting for 38% of the displaced population in the region.
These individuals are spread across 26 camps and 185 host communities, facing dire conditions with inadequate shelter, limited access to clean water and sanitation, insufficient healthcare services, and weak protection mechanisms.
“Despite ongoing efforts, recent attacks have displaced over 1,000 households between December 29 and today, as reported by the latest DTM findings,” Governor Alia stated.
He also expressed concern about the negative coping mechanisms adopted by affected populations, including early marriages and transactional activities. He reduced food intake, which disproportionately impact women, children, and persons with disabilities.
In a bid to support vulnerable groups, the state government has enrolled over 6,273 individuals from 15 IDP camps into the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme, ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
Paula Pace pledged the IOM’s continued support, stating, “We are here to bring more partners to work for the people of Benue and assist in their journey toward peace.”
Alexandre Castellano emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that their organization works alongside other humanitarian partners to address the humanitarian crisis in the state.