Gov. Alia hails Christian Aid For N500m donation to Benue IDPs.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia  has expressed appreciation  to Christian Aid Nigeria, an international development and humanitarian response organization for always extending  maximum support to the vulnerable population and donating  N500 million to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the State. 

The Governor who spoke through the  Director General, Bureau for International Corporation and Development BICD Dr. Leonard Viashima, thanked the Country Director of Christian Aid Nigeria and the funders Start Network and the implementing partner for their intervention and urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the cash and other relief materials given to them. 

This critical initiative is set to provide vital support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue State, particularly those affected by the recent devastating armed herdsmen attacks in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.

This intervention, primarily funded by the Start Fund Network, marks a significant commitment by Christian Aid to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations. It builds upon the organisation’s extensive experience in delivering immediate life-saving assistance across various humanitarian crises worldwide.

The program officially commenced on Tuesday, 30th July, 2025, at the Daudu Two IDP Camp in Guma Local Government Area, signaling the rollout of a comprehensive support system for IDPs in three designated camps across Makurdi and Guma local government areas. 

Chinelo Mokwe, Project Lead for the Start Fund Project in Benue State and a Programme Officer for Christian Aid, detailed the core components of the intervention and confirmed that financial assistance would be directly disbursed to 1,500 households through cash transfers, with each selected family receiving N109,000. Christian Aid played a crucial role in facilitating the opening of personal bank accounts for these beneficiaries to ensure efficient and secure distribution of funds.

Beyond monetary aid, she said the intervention encompasses the distribution of essential non-food items. These include mattresses, bathroom and washing soaps, detergent, and mosquito nets. Furthermore, each household will receive dignity kits, thoughtfully assembled to include personal hygiene necessities such as a wrapper, towel, slippers, sanitary pads, and pampers, addressing critical needs often overlooked in humanitarian responses.

Mokwe further emphasized Christian Aid’s widespread operational capacity, highlighting its interventions in 19 states across Nigeria. 

Globally, Christian Aid operates in 29 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean, demonstrating its significant international presence and commitment to tackling poverty and injustice on a global scale. This extensive reach allows them to leverage diverse experiences and resources in their efforts.

Mr. Noel Numbe, the Camp Manager for Daudu IDP Camp Two, conveyed profound appreciation to Christian Aid on behalf of Dr. James Iorpu, Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). He acknowledged the growing number of IDPs following the Yelewata attacks and stressed the immense relief the donated materials would bring to the displaced individuals.

Temitope Fashola, Country Director of Christian Aid Nigeria, received commendation for her leadership in repositioning the organization, which has evidently fostered the confidence of the Start Fund Network to provide such substantial funding.

Gratitude was also extended to Ohunyeta Care Givers for their instrumental role in bringing the plight of the Yelewata attack victims to the forefront, thereby enabling this crucial intervention.

A representative from the Benue State government acknowledged the superior quality of the donated items, indicating a rigorous procurement process. While appreciating the immediate relief these provisions offer, the government reiterated its long-term vision to transition from emergency aid to sustainable development, with a primary focus on the eventual resettlement of IDPs back to their ancestral homes. The Governor had previously articulated plans for a swift transition from temporary shelters to permanent residences.

The intervention extends beyond immediate material and financial support. Christian Aid Nigeria is also actively providing vital psychosocial support to help IDPs cope with the trauma and profound losses they have experienced. Additionally, comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sensitization campaigns are being conducted to promote good hygiene practices across all three selected IDP camps, aiming to prevent the spread of diseases and significantly improve overall public health.

Christian Aid has been deeply engaged in addressing humanitarian needs across Benue State, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities and IDPs. Their efforts span various Local Government Areas (LGAs), including Guma, Agatu, Kwande, and Logo, encompassing a multifaceted approach that includes shelter, food, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) support, along with psychosocial assistance and cash transfers.

Beyond immediate relief, Christian Aid has invested in long-term initiatives aimed at disaster preparedness and community-led development. Their programs are designed to strengthen early warning systems, enhance response capabilities, and promote effective risk reduction strategies, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to building resilience within the affected communities.