Over 1,000 Households Displaced in Benue as Governor Alia Seeks Lasting Solutions
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has revealed that over 1,000 households have been displaced in a wave of attacks across the state since December 29, leaving communities reeling from the aftermath of violence.
Speaking on Thursday at the Government House in Makurdi during a meeting with officials from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), Governor Alia outlined the grim reality facing the state.
He disclosed that 500,182 displaced persons are currently spread across 26 camps and 185 host communities.
“The displaced persons are grappling with inadequate shelter, limited access to clean water and sanitation, insufficient healthcare services, and a lack of robust protection mechanisms,” the governor stated.
He expressed deep concern over the plight of vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and persons with disabilities, noting that the dire conditions have forced many to adopt harmful coping strategies.
“These conditions have led to detrimental coping strategies, including early marriages, transactional activities, and reduced food intake,” Governor Alia lamented.
Despite concerted efforts to address the crisis, the governor cited data from the Displacement Tracking Matrix, which confirmed the displacement of over 1,000 households within just 11 days.
Highlighting ongoing interventions, Governor Alia noted that the state has enrolled over 6,273 vulnerable individuals from 15 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps into the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme.
This initiative aims to ensure access to essential healthcare services for those most in need.
Additionally, the state has allocated over 70 hectares of land and facilitated the construction of shelters, which has helped restore dignity to 5,600 displaced households.
These achievements, the governor said, were made possible through partnerships with organisations like IOM and USAID-BHA.
Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling the root causes of displacement while fostering sustainable solutions.
He stressed the importance of promoting social justice and harmonious coexistence between host communities and displaced persons.
“Our government will continue to work tirelessly to improve the well-being of displaced persons and build resilience among affected communities,” he assured.
The governor’s appeal for support indicates the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and ensure lasting peace and stability in Benue State and the country at large.
Source: Punch
