According to Governor Hyacinth Alia, more than 6,273 of the state’s most vulnerable residents from 15 Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps (IDP) have signed up for the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme, which would allow them to get necessary medical care.
In Makurdi, Governor Alia made this statement while welcoming a UN delegation headed by Paola Pace, the Chief of Mission for the IOM, and Alexandre Castellano, the Head of Office of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
He bemoaned the ongoing attacks and displacement crises in Nigeria’s North-Central region, which have affected the country’s renowned Food Basket of the Nation.
He said, “The displaced population of 1.5 million persons staying in 26 camps across the state are grappling with inadequate shelter, limited access to clean water and sanitation, insufficient healthcare services, and a lack of robust protection mechanisms.
“Such hardships experienced by the IDPs have precipitated detrimental coping strategies, including early marriages, transactional activities, and reduced food intake, disproportionately affecting women, children, and persons with disabilities.
“We have empowered host communities with resources and social services to alleviate any strains arising from the influx of displaced populations, and we have also deployed over 5,000 Civil Protection Guards working with security agencies to provide a critical layer of security against potential threats.
“As we embark on this mission, we are confident that our deliberations will yield actionable strategies to uplift both the displaced and their host communities and my administration remains unwavering in its dedication to addressing the root causes of attacks, and displacement to foster sustainable solutions for our citizens.”
In order to ensure food security and promote economic independence and stability, the governor declared that they were working with partners to provide agricultural inputs, training, and resources to displaced people and the host communities so they could resume farming.