The state government of Benue expressed concern on Wednesday about the increased insecurity in the state, stating that it is stopping displaced people from going back to their original homes.
James Iorpuu, the Executive Secretary of Benue State Emergency and Management Agency, clarified that all attempts to help the displaced people go back to their original homes have been hindered by ongoing attacks from suspected herders.
Iorpuu made this statement while briefing reporters and distributing food and other supplies to displaced individuals in the state.
He noted that the supplies would be distributed to eight local government areas, including Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Apa, Okpokwu, Agatu, Guma and Logo.
He also mentioned, “In Ukum, Gbajir, we have displacements in Jootar and Ayati communities. We also have displacements in Gbishe, Yooyo council wards in Katsina-Ala.
“In Kwande this week, Abande, Anwase and part of Moon witnessed second displacement. In most of these communities, the people made attempts to go back to clear lands for farming, and they were displaced again.”
The SEMA boss listed food and non-food items to be distributed to include bags of rice, beans, garri, cartons of noodles, groundnut and palm oil, maggi, and salt. Others are sugar, detergents, soap, and mattresses.
“We have tagged this distribution as Easter distribution to our brothers, fathers, and mothers. The governor instructed me to ensure that these items reach the IDPs, especially those recently displaced in Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Apa, Okpokwu, Agatu, Guma and Logo LGA.
“Apart from going to distribute these materials to them, we are also going to assess the level of damage in these areas,” Iorpuu said.
