August 04, (THEWILL) — The management of Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has acknowledged receipt of six million Naira from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for the welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons from Yelwata community.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr James Iorapuu, who disclosed this at the launch of the Benue Electronic Emergency Management System in Makurdi on Monday, also acknowledged receipt of a N1.1 million donation from Mr Hyacinth Abila for the same purpose.
According to him, since the establishment of SEMA in 2006, no Executive Secretary has devoted time to duty as he is currently doing, at the detriment of his health.
“I’m overworking myself at the detriment of my life, as confirmed by medical doctors. I always shed tears over the condition of IDPs anytime I visit the camps”, Iorpuu stated.
While dispelling the insinuation that he may be diverting rice meant for the IDPs for his family’s use, Dr Iorapuu denied having a single SEMA property at his residence except the official vehicle, promising to ensure judicious application of monies for the displaced in the state.
He pointed out that in case of delay in distributing food and non-food items to the displaced camps was a result of the foregoing and other security scrutiny before vehicles are allowed to start conveying materials there.
Responding to a question, Iorpuu said the Agency is working with International partners and security forces who will guarantee safe return to Yelwata, where scores were killed in the course of the invasion.
Speaking on the impending flood as predicted by the relevant agencies, Dr Iorapuu said SEMA has been carrying out sensitisation programmes on both state and national radio for residents living in water-prone areas to relocate ahead of time.
According to him, residents have a poor attitude toward sanitation, warning against dropping refuse into water channels, and commending Governor Hyacinth Alia for giving maximum attention to the welfare of the citizenry.
