Top government officials, civil society actors, and donors, Thursday, gathered at Benue Hotels Resorts in Makurdi for the Benue State Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy Document Validation Meeting, aimed at addressing humanitarian crisis driven by armed conflicts.
The Benue State IDP Policy aims to domesticate national frameworks and durable solutions to forced displacement.
Stakeholders hope the policy will lay the foundation for legislation, healing, and the eventual reintegration of thousands of displaced residents across the state.
Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, who spoke at the event, made a passionate appeal, urging the government, CSOs, and international agencies to prioritise aid for the IDPs camped at NKST Naka in Gwer West, where the population has reportedly tripled Yelewata displaced persons camped at the International Market.
He said IDPs at Naka had significant population, lack access to basic resources like clean water and food.
“I invite everyone to come to the aid of these displaced communities. We must ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind,” he said.
Policy manager of Save The Children International, Murjanatu Kabir, stated the organisation’s commitment to protecting the lives and future of displaced children in the state through its involvement in the IDP policy.
She said the state government’s initiative to find durable solutions for IDPs will significantly address the needs of vulnerable individuals, including children.
The organisation vowed to advocate for the rights and well-being of IDPs and ensure that any effort to relocate them from camps is guided by a comprehensive policy that prioritises their comfort, safety, and successful resettlement.
The meeting also drew emotional remarks from Hon. Peter Uchi, Member representing Guma constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, who described his area as “most hit” by recurrent armed herdsmen attacks.
He welcomed the resettlement agenda and called for special attention to those suffering psychological trauma.
“Some people in Yelewata woke up to discover their families had been wiped out. These traumatic realities must be captured in our policy,” Uchi stated.
In his contribution, member for Apa constituency and chairman of the House Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. James Abu Umoru, said the House of Assembly was ready to expedited hearings on IDP issues.
He stated 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.