BSEMA seeks UN, other partners’ support to solve humanitarian crisis

Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, has pleaded with the United Nations, UN, and other humanitarian partners to come to the state’s rescue to stem the humanitarian crisis affecting the internally displaced persons, IDPs, in their over 14 camps in the state.

The appeal was made by the Executive Secretary of BSEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, during the monthly distribution of food and non-food relief items to IDPs on Monday.

He expressed disgust about the sorry state of the condition, especially the lack of shelter in new camps for displaced persons at the Agagbe, Ichwa and Anyiin.

He disclosed that several camps in the state, including the one in Ukum-LGA, are overflowing with displaced persons fleeing from fresh attacks from herders in the area.

He said they had taken over primary school premises in the area, thereby obstructing the academic activities of pupils and causing educational setbacks for them.

He said when such shelters are provided, it will cushion the hardship of IDPs taking temporary shelter in such schools and enable affected children to go back to continue normal academic activities.

He appreciated the efforts of NEMA, and other international and local partners for their various support to the crisis, as well as lauded Governor Hyacinth Alia for the provision of logistics support, adding that out of his magnanimity, he had directed that food and non-food relief items be shared to both old the new 14 IDP camps in Ukum.