Over 1.5 million displaced persons in Benue State are set to benefit from a comprehensive biometric documentation exercise launched by the state government in partnership with international humanitarian organizations.
The initiative, which forms part of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration efforts to restore dignity to victims of displacement, will see all internally displaced persons across the state receive new identification cards following proper biometric verification.
Sir James Iorpuu, who serves as both the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, disclosed this development during the monthly relief materials distribution exercise held on Monday at various IDP camps across the state.
Represented by Donald Komgbenda, the Head of Administration at the State Emergency Management Agency, Sir Iorpuu explained that the biometric review process targets displaced persons both in the 15 official camps and those residing with relatives in host communities throughout Benue.
According to him, the documentation exercise represents a critical step toward ensuring that every displaced individual is properly captured in government records for adequate planning and intervention delivery.
“This administration under Governor Alia is committed to providing hope, relief, and dignity to our displaced populations. The biometric registration and issuance of identity cards will guarantee proper documentation and inclusion of all IDPs,” Sir Iorpuu stated.
He emphasized that beyond addressing immediate humanitarian needs, the state government is implementing strategic interventions aimed at livelihood restoration and community rebuilding across affected areas.
The Permanent Secretary revealed that the current distribution cycle covered essential food items including 2,300 bags of 25kg rice, 600 bags of beans, 1,600 bags of noodles, 150 jars of palm oil, 140 cartons of seasoning cubes, and 160 jars of groundnut oil, alongside various non-food materials.
In addition to the biometric exercise, Sir Iorpuu disclosed ongoing infrastructure projects designed to provide lasting solutions to challenges facing displaced communities.
Through collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the state government has installed solar-powered boreholes in returnee communities, particularly in Tatyough community within Makurdi Local Government Area. The intervention also included distribution of relief materials to families rebuilding their lives.
Furthermore, the state is working with the International Organisation for Migration on housing and water infrastructure projects at Naka Dam. The projects include construction of a water treatment plant specifically designed to tackle the persistent water scarcity challenge affecting Naka IDP camp and surrounding host communities.
The government official acknowledged the crucial role played by development partners in supporting Benue’s humanitarian response, noting that their interventions align perfectly with the state’s Durable Solutions Plan for internally displaced persons.
Sir Iorpuu called for sustained collaboration among all humanitarian actors, government agencies, and development partners to ensure the success of ongoing relief efforts in the state.
He also charged State Emergency Management Agency staff, security personnel, and media professionals involved in the distribution exercise to uphold the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and accountability to guarantee that relief materials reach their intended beneficiaries.