October 08, (THEWILL) — The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Dr. James Iorpuu, has revealed that only six local government areas in Benue State are currently not facing attacks from herders.
Speaking with journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday, Iorpuu listed the affected-free councils as Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Konshisha, Gboko, Ushongo, and one other.
On the issue of flooding, the Permanent Secretary said the only lasting solution to the persistent displacement of residents is the dredging of Rivers Benue and Niger by the Federal Government.
He explained that the recently concluded Conference of State Emergency Management Agencies in Lagos had broadened the understanding of emergency managers on effective disaster response strategies.
Dr. Iorpuu, who also oversees the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), dismissed a recent report by an independent assessor alleging poor performance by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.
He maintained that the state government had delivered tangible dividends of democracy to its people.
“For the governor not to have borrowed money from any financial institution since assuming office is a clear indication of purposeful leadership and accountability,” he said.
He added that Divine Mandate, the group that urged Reverend Father Alia to contest the 2023 governorship election, is proud of his achievements so far, noting that preparations are underway for the launch of its second phase toward the end of the year to promote the governor’s re-election bid in 2027.
According to him, the group’s ongoing nationwide tour, including visits to Plateau and Kaduna States, aims to mobilize support for the governor and encourage Benue indigenes in the diaspora to transfer their voting rights back to the state.
Dr. Iorpuu urged Benue residents to remain vigilant and resist individuals attempting to pressure the governor into mismanaging state resources for personal gain.
