The Permanent Secretary, PS, Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management and Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, Dr. James Iorpuu, has revealed that over 13,000 refugees from Cameroon are currently residing in Benue State. He lamented that the development has adversely affected the economic activities of host communities and called for the intervention of the Federal Government.
Speaking on Thursday during the distribution of food and other essential items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across 15 camps and host communities at the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) headquarters in Makurdi, Dr. Iorpuu stated that the state is already grappling with its own insurgency and therefore needs Federal Government support.
He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his sustained funding and unwavering support to BSEMA, saying his commitment has continued to strengthen the emergency response framework and enabled the agency to respond effectively to the needs of vulnerable populations across the state.
“The consistent support of the Benue State Government remains a clear demonstration of leadership, compassion, and dedication to the welfare of displaced persons and affected communities,” Iorpuu stated.
The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the Benue State Government is collaborating with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen local communities on disaster risk reduction. He stressed that the project, when implemented, would enhance local emergency management structures and provide critical training for grassroots emergency volunteers across the state.
He added that the initiative would improve preparedness, resilience, and community-based response mechanisms during emergencies and disasters.
According to him, “Benue SEMA is pleased with the ongoing collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen communities in Benue State on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).”
The BSEMA boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to discharging its duties with integrity, honesty, transparency, and accountability.
“We remain determined to serve humanity with compassion and dedication, ensuring that every support entrusted to us reaches the intended beneficiaries,” Iorpuu assured.
He also commended the resilience, patience, and courage of vulnerable populations in Benue State despite the daily challenges and difficult circumstances faced by many families in the camps and host communities. He noted that their determination to remain hopeful and united is truly inspiring.
“Your strength continues to encourage humanitarian workers and all stakeholders to do more in supporting your recovery and rebuilding process,” he said.
Sir Iorpuu thanked both international and local partners for their sustained collaboration and commitment to supporting communities in need of humanitarian assistance, noting that their partnership has remained invaluable in ensuring that relief materials reach those who need them most.
“As we continue these humanitarian efforts, we sincerely thank all Benue State government agencies working closely with BSEMA, members of the media for helping to amplify awareness and support, truck owners hired for logistics operations, associations of loaders, and all SEMA staff whose tireless dedication and daily sacrifices continue to sustain our effective response system for displaced populations in Benue State,” he stated.
