SEMA expresses worry over FG neglect to Benue IDPs

…Distributes food items worth over N100m

By Titus Atondu, Makurdi

The Executive Secretary Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA),  Dr Emmanuel Shior, has lamented the Federal Government’s total neglect of the Internally Displaced Person’s (IDPs) in Benue State.

Dr. Shior also stated that Benue IDPs as citizens of Nigeria need to be given equal treatment accorded to other IDPs in other States of Nigeria without discrimination.

The SEMA ES made his feelings known on Friday while distributing trucks loads of relief materials to the State Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at its headquarters in Makurdi.

He explained that the monthly distribution of relief materials will cover eight Local Government Areas of the State.

Dr. Shior revealed that the Governor of Benue State Samuel Ortom has promised to ensure that IDPs in the State are properly taken good care of and will not abandoned them.

He further explained that the relief materials would be distributed to IDPs Camps in Makurdi, Agasha, Guma,  Logo, Agatu, Gwer West, Kwande and Okpokwu local government areas respectively.

He disclosed that the agency was distributing Six trucks load of rice and Four trucks load of indomine to the IDPs.

The SEMA Boss who stated that the State Government was doing everything within its powers to provide minimum comfort for the IDPs while still in the camps, however explained that it  was difficult to get the actual figure of IDPs at the moment following the continuous attacks on the innocent Benue Farmers by suspected armed herders.

He noted that the State is facing a major challenge as farmers are finding it difficult to go to their farms because of the fear of the marauding herders.

He, commended the security agencies especially Operation Whirl Stroke, Police, Agro Rangers and other security outfits for their efforts  in mitigating the attacks on Benue Farmers.