Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed his administration’s urgent concern for the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and appreciated the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for mobilizing resources to support them.
During a meeting with a UNHCR delegation at the Government House, Makurdi, Governor Alia reiterated his administration’s determination to address the needs of IDPs and commended the UN for setting up offices in Benue state.
Despite security challenges, the governor assured of his administration’s resolve to work with security agencies to ensure safety and restore lives and livelihoods in affected areas.
He highlighted initiatives taken by his government, including the establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, allocation of farmlands for IDPs and Cameroonian refugees, and setting up of IDPs farms.
Governor Alia also announced a proposed 3,000 housing units project to provide shelter and vital services to at least 16,000 forcibly displaced persons.
The UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Mr. Raouf Mazou, commended the government’s efforts in responding to the humanitarian crisis and pledged continued support.
The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Annett Günther, praised the governor’s leadership qualities and concern for IDPs, calling for continued collaboration to ensure their better life.
