November 14, (THEWILL) – The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has pledged its commitment to collaborating with the Benue State Government to provide both immediate humanitarian aid to the Internally Displaced Persons and to strengthen local systems for sustainable development.
Speaking at the IOM – UN headquarters in Abuja, the Chief of Mission, Ms Paola Pace, commended Benue SEMA and BICD for their proactive approach and reaffirmed IOM’s support for Benue State’s initiatives in humanitarian assistance and recovery.
She said this partnership aims to not only meet the immediate needs of the most vulnerable populations in the state but also to empower local communities, ensuring a pathway to a future where all residents can thrive with dignity and resilience.
Earlier, the Benue delegation consisting of the Executive Secretary of Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu and Leo-Angelo Viashima, the Director General of the Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), said their demand centred on addressing critical humanitarian challenges facing Benue State, particularly in the Local Government areas of Agatu, Kwande, Gwer West and Logo.
“The focus included the urgent need for expanded support and sustainable interventions to address the needs of over 500, 000 IDPs in the state.”
The SEMA Executive Secretary, highlighted their ongoing efforts to assess the gaps in IDP care and the pressing need for humanitarian resources, stressing the importance of swift and coordinated actions to ensure lasting impact.
As Benue State’s official lead on resource mobilisation, BICD is actively seeking additional funding to bolster response efforts and broaden the scope of sustainable assistance.
Mr Viashima emphasised that increased international support would be instrumental in delivering immediate relief to IDPs, addressing pressing needs like shelter, food security, healthcare, and essential services, noting that such contributions would lay the groundwork for durable solutions, supporting IDPs in rebuilding their lives and securing long-term resilience within their communities.
