The Benue State Government, in partnership with several development agencies, has launched a biometric verification and new identity card project for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia had earlier revealed, during a 2024 courtesy visit by Patrick Robinson of the United States Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, that more than 1.5 million displaced persons in Benue were living without access to clean water and other essential amenities.
Currently, many of these IDPs are accommodated in 15 government-recognized camps, while others live with relatives and friends in nearby host communities.
During the monthly distribution of relief materials on Monday, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, James Iorpuu, explained that the biometric registration seeks to ensure accurate data collection and proper inclusion of all displaced individuals.
Represented by the Head of Administration, Donald Komgbenda, Iorpuu described the initiative as part of Governor Alia’s Renewed Hope vision, aimed at restoring the dignity and well-being of displaced citizens.
“This exercise is a reflection of the governor’s deep commitment to improving the lives of displaced persons. Despite the huge challenges, he remains focused on sustainable solutions that will bring relief and long-term stability,” he said.
According to him, the state government, working with humanitarian agencies, is addressing both the immediate and future needs of IDPs through coordinated interventions that include the distribution of food and non-food items in all 15 camps.
He further disclosed that, through collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency, solar-powered boreholes have been installed in several returnee communities, including Tatyough in Makurdi Local Government Area, to improve access to safe water.
In addition, Iorpuu revealed that a joint project with the International Organisation for Migration is underway at Naka Dam, involving housing development and the construction of a water treatment facility to address persistent water shortages in the Naka IDP camp and surrounding communities.
While expressing gratitude to both local and international partners for their continued support, Iorpuu called for stronger cooperation among humanitarian stakeholders.
“The contributions of our partners are vital to the success of Benue’s Durable Solutions Plan for displaced persons and to the broader goal of restoring normalcy in affected areas,” he concluded.