Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The United Nations has applauded Govenor Samuel Ortom’s strong resolve to stand by Benue IDPs despite Federal Government’s neglect.
This was made known yesterday, 21st September, 2022 by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mathias Schmale during an interaction with humanitarian actors, Internally Displaced Persons and Government Officials at the IDPs camps in Benue State.
The UN Coordinator who was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of Benue State Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA), Dr. Emmanuel Shior to get first-hand information on the humanitarian challenge in the state, said they were impressed with the efforts of the Governor in the strategies to ensure a safe return of the IDPs to their ancestral homes and given them proper care.
Speaking on the desire of IDPs to be safely resettled, Schmale said what the (IDPs) really want is conditions to be able to go back home in dignity and safety. Pointing out that it requires a high investment in trust, investment in livelihood and investment in integration.
“I am thrilled to see that it is happening. I understand that the dimensions of the problem require much resources. I appeal to the International communities to support Benue state in addressing the humanitarian needs of the population. It is inhumane for another person to wish such condition for another.” He said.
Mr. Schmale promised to report exactly the information gotten and what his eyes have seen, as he sympathized with Governor Samuel Ortom and the Benue people over the perennial attacks.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Dr. Emmanuel Shior said that the Benue Internally Displaced Person’s IDPs are still awaiting for a comprehensive assistance from the Federal Government and International Communities.
He appealed for more interventions to enable the state Carter for the over 2 million IDPs and over ten thousand Cameroonian Refugees in Kwande.
He noted that the humanitarian crisis in the state occasioned by Fulani Herdsmen attacks in the last five years and the influx of over ten thousand Cameronian Refugees had overstretched the lean resources of the State Government.
He expressed sadness that the Federal Government had abandoned the state with the IDPs “who were displaced by armed Fulani herdsmen, in flagrant violation of global conventions on the right to life and human dignity.”
Dr. Shior recounted that “thousands of lives have been lost, homes, schools, markets, churches and health centres destroyed with over two million IDPs residing in seven official and eleven unofficial camps and host communities across the state.”
He applauded the International humanitarian partners and civil society organisations who rapidly mobilised and supported Benue state government by providing the needed aid necessary for people to survive and have shelters over their heads.
He pointed out that Groups like UNHCR, IOM, MSF and UN shelters, among others, were there from the beginning and their support was truly life-saving, while extending the sincere appreciation of the state government to all of them.
Dr. Shior called on the United Nations to extend support to the state in areas of shelters, food and possibly help in conveying the state humanitarian challenge to the federal government for lasting solutions considering the deplorable situations of the IDPs.
The UN Coordinator visited Ortese, Gbajimba 1 and 2 IDPs camps for the assessment.