Benue seeks aid for IDPs in troubled communities

The Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, has called on civil society organizations and international donors to support the internally displaced persons camped at NKST, Naka in Gwer West Local Government Area of the state.

Several communities in the local government were attacked several times leading to displaced persons.

The Commissioner made the call on Thursday during the Policy Document Validation meeting held at Benue Hotels Resorts in Makurdi to address the humanitarian crisis driven by armed conflicts in the state.

The Benue State IDP Policy aims to domesticate national frameworks and catalyse durable solutions to forced displacement.

The commissioner noted that the population of displaced persons in Naka tripled the Yelewata displaced persons camped at the International Market in Makurdi.

He added that the IDPs at Naka, though, had a significant population, however, lacked access to basic resources like clean water and food.

He said, “I invite everyone to come to the aid of these displaced communities in Gwer West LGA, we must ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind.

The displaced persons in Naka do not have access to the basic resources like portable water and food.”

Speaking, the Advocacy Campaign, Policy Manager of Save The Children International, Murjanatu Kabir, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to protecting the lives and future of displaced children in the state through its involvement in the IDP policy.

According to her, the state government’s initiative to find durable solutions for IDPs will significantly address the needs of vulnerable individuals, including children.

Kabir said that the organization had promised to advocate for the rights and well-being of IDPs and to ensure that any efforts to relocate them from camps are guided by a comprehensive policy that prioritises their comfort, safety, and successful resettlement.

In his contribution at the meeting a member representing Guma state constituency at the State Assembly, Peter Uchi lamented that his council area was the “most hit” by renewed armed herdsmen attacks.

He welcomed the resettlement agenda and called for special attention to those suffering psychological trauma.

He said, “Some people in Yelewata woke up to discover their families had been wiped out. These traumatic realities must be captured in our policy.”

In his contribution, Member for Apa constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, James Umoru, said the House of Assembly was ready to expedite hearings on IDP issues in the assembly.

He stressed the need for oversight, inclusion and direct engagement with affected populations, whether in official camps or scattered across host communities.

“Nobody in an IDP camp enjoys the comfort of home. Oversight visits to some affected camps will inform real decisions,” Umoru stated.

Speaking on the implementation roadmap, Director General of Benue State SDGs, John Akuse, outlined the importance of harmonising national policy with Benue-specific realities.

He noted the validation process was being done chapter by chapter to ensure inclusivity, cultural relevance, and actionable impact.

“By tomorrow, we expect a fully validated policy owned by the people of Benue State,” Akuse declared.