By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Benue State government has taken bold steps toward restoring dignity and long-term support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) by advocating for the domestication of the national IDP policy to reflect the state’s unique humanitarian challenges.
Speaking during a policy validation meeting in Makurdi on Thursday, the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, stressed the need for contextual inputs into the IDP policy framework to better address the plight of thousands displaced by protracted violence.
“The national policy must reflect our local realities,” Kunde said, urging stakeholders to actively contribute to fine-tuning the document to ensure meaningful and sustainable support for IDPs across Benue.
The Chairman of the Benue State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Humanitarian and Disaster Management, James Abu Umoru, pledged swift legislative action.
“This is not just a government issue, it’s a Benue problem. We will give it accelerated consideration,” he assured.
Reinforcing the urgency, Peter Uche, Chairman of the House Committee on SDGs and Donor Agencies, lamented that some communities have endured attacks for over a decade.
“Let us support this policy so our people can return to their homes and rebuild their lives,” he said.
Director General of Sustainable Development Goals, John Akuse, described the validation of the policy as a critical step toward ensuring that displaced persons are provided with care that aligns with their specific needs.
On her part, Murjanatu Kabir, Manager of Advocacy Campaigns and Policy, warned against prematurely shutting down IDP camps, especially without securing the welfare of children.
“Children’s right to life and dignity must be safeguarded even in displacement,” she said.
The validation meeting brought together stakeholders from various sectors, all united by a singular goal to restore hope and stability to Benue’s displaced communities.
