Bukola Afeni
The Governor of Benue State Rev. Fr Hyacinth Iromem Alia, has raised alarm over the ecological and climatic challenges facing the state.
He also called on experts and other relevant stakeholders to resolve the challenges facing the people of the state.
Alia spoke on the occasion of an interactive dinner with Nigeria INGO Forum Leadership and Country Directors in Abuja.
He added that the people of Benue State have been grappling with significant ecological and climatic challenges
“Recent instances include flood disasters resulting from the overflow of the Benue River, exacerbated by water releases from the Lagdo Dam and Lake Nyo in Cameroon. The challenges are compounded by inadequate drainage systems that we are diligently addressing despite resource limitations”, he said.
The Governor expressed the willingness of the state government to build partnerships that are aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of the people.
Alia said the challenges confronting Benue State, including issues such as internally displaced persons (IDPs), poverty, inadequate access to quality healthcare and education, climate change, farmer-herder conflicts, water and sanitation, and gender justice, among others, can be overcome through the collaborative efforts of the government,
the people of Benue, the experts and capable individuals who possess the capacity to deliver the shared objectives.
He added that the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) tugs at collective conscience.
“With approximately 400,000 displaced individuals seeking refuge, commitment is needed to ensure their safe return and seamless reintegration should remain unswerving. We also recognize the challenges inherent in the. situation and remain dedicated to addressing their needs comprehensively.
“Drawing from the data provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Nigeria North-Central and North-West Displacement Report 11 (March 2023). We gained insights into the impact of the crisis across eight states”, he said.
In the same vein, he added that Benue State stands as the primary haven for internally displaced individuals.
” The state is accommodating 489,245 IDPs, which accounts for 41 percent of the overall IDP population. Within the scope of the assessment, Guma Local Government Area (LGA) emerges as the foremost host, sheltering 130,900 IDPs. Subsequently, Gwer West LGA followed suit with 112,678 IDPs, followed by Agatu LGA (48,730) and Makurdi LGA (44,270 IDPs).
“While facilitating the return of IDPs to their homes is a paramount concern for my administration, the issue of securing these communities upon their return remains equally crucial. We firmly believe that community security necessitates more than just federal government efforts to secure the nation at large”, he said.
