The Benue State Government on Friday distributed food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the state as part of activities marking the N1.275 billion humanitarian intervention supported by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Nasarawa State Government, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The distribution exercise, held in Makurdi, was flagged off by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Deborah Aber, who spoke on behalf of the state government and the Technical Committee overseeing the intervention for victims of the Yelwata attack and other displaced persons in camps and host communities.
Mrs Aber represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, said that the intervention, which coincided with the 2025 Christmas season, was aimed at bringing relief, hope and dignity to displaced families during the yuletide period.
She explained that the support covers food and non-food item distribution, resettlement through the construction of new housing units in Yelwata, conditional cash transfers to 1,000 beneficiaries across IDP camps and host communities, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) projects, agricultural support and education initiatives.
According to her, the items distributed under the food and nutrition component of the intervention include rice, maize, beans, garri, vegetable oil and condiments, alongside non-food items such as blankets, mats, toiletries and other household essentials.
The SSG noted that the intervention complements the humanitarian efforts of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration, which she said has prioritised the welfare, safety and dignity of displaced persons in the state.
She acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and partners including IOM, UNHCR, civil society organisations and the media, for ensuring transparency and effective delivery of the relief materials.
Mrs Aber also expressed gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its donation of food and non-food items, describing the support as a boost to the state’s humanitarian response.
She disclosed that beyond relief distribution, the collaboration with partners has led to enhanced nutrition support for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as the commencement of a water treatment plant in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area.
She said the water project would provide safe drinking water for both IDPs and host communities, describing it as a long-term intervention that promotes public health and peaceful coexistence.
The SSG assured IDPs that the state government remains committed to transitioning from emergency relief to durable solutions through resettlement, livelihood restoration and improved access to basic services.
She urged stakeholders to uphold fairness, transparency and cooperation to ensure that the relief items reach the intended beneficiaries, while thanking all donors and partners for standing with Benue State during the humanitarian crisis.
