UNDP, Benue govt. partner to improve security, health of the IDPs

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, in collaboration with the Benue State Government, has organised a one day seminar on Durable Solutions FrameWork Development and Action Planning, for the Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) in the State.

Speaking during the workshop held at Palm Garden Hotel Makurdi, Friday, the Commissioner for Humanitarian, Disaster Management, Mr Aondowase Kunde, said the Task Force on Durable Solutions was constituted with the aim of returning Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their respective ancestral homes in the State.

He explained that, already a survey has been conducted to identify the pressing needs of IDPs across various camps.

Mr. Kunde stated that the state government in collaboration with other partners have embarked on provision of necessary facilities in the camps, including sinking of hand Wells at Ortese IDP Camp, where boreholes could not yield water.

He assured that the collapsed Dam at Ortese will be repaired to address shortage of water to the community.

According to him, “information has been collated from IDPs that lost their seed yams and other valuables. It will soon be replaced in no distance time” and called on the people to be supportive to government at all times.

“It is the desire of Governor Hyacinth Alia to improve security, health and water supply to various Internally Displaced Persons camp (IDPs), across the state as they await final return to their ancestral homes.

In his remark, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Moses Ogbaji, said the committee met over five times with recommendations on how best to find a durable solution that will enable the IDPs return to their ancestral homes.

He stated that amidst challenges, some IDPs are better than prisoners since they have freedom to move in and out of the camps at will.

Ogbaji noted that cluster settlements will go a long way in the of invasion by herdsmen in Benue communities.

In his presentation, the UNDP representative on Durable Solutions in Benue State, Mr Adewole Oke, commended the efforts of the governor Hyacinth Alia administration in improving the conditions of IDPs in the state.

He maintained that from the data gathered by International for Migration Organisation (IMO), there are over 130,000 IDPs with over 38,000 households in the state.

He explained that the humanitarian situation in the State has affected schools, market and other social and economic activities, stressing that the resettlement of IDPs required long time approach.

Mr. Adewole called on public spirited individuals and organisations to come and join hands together with Benue State to solve the problems of IDPs.