The Benue State Government, together with development partners, has launched a biometric registration exercise and the issuance of fresh identity cards for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia had previously highlighted during a 2024 visit by the United States Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, led by Patrick Robinson, that more than 1.5 million displaced residents in Benue lacked access to safe drinking water and other essential services.
Many of these IDPs reside in 15 official camps, while others are living with relatives in host communities.
During Monday’s monthly distribution of food and non-food items in the camps, James Iorpuu, Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, emphasized that the biometric registration aims to ensure all displaced persons are properly documented and included.
Represented by the Head of Administration, Donald Komgbenda, Iorpuu explained that the program reflects Governor Alia’s Renewed Hope vision to restore dignity to displaced populations.
“This distribution is in furtherance of Governor Alia’s commitment to bringing hope, relief, and dignity to displaced populations. The challenges are enormous, but the governor remains determined to address their needs through practical interventions,” he stated.
He added that the government, in collaboration with humanitarian agencies, is not only providing immediate relief but also working to rebuild communities and restore livelihoods.
“Through this intervention, food and non-food items are being distributed across 15 official IDP camps. In collaboration with our partners, we have begun the biometric review and issuance of new identity cards to IDPs in camps and host communities to ensure proper documentation and inclusion,” he said.
Iorpuu also revealed that, through a partnership with the UN Refugee Agency, solar-powered boreholes have been installed in returnee communities, including Tatyough in Makurdi Local Government Area, alongside the distribution of relief materials.
Further collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration has led to the initiation of housing and water projects at Naka Dam, including the construction of a water treatment plant to address water shortages in Naka IDP camp and neighboring host communities.
While acknowledging the crucial role of international and local partners, Iorpuu called for continued cooperation between humanitarian actors and government agencies.
“The support of our partners aligns with the Durable Solutions Plan for IDPs in Benue and remains crucial to the success of the state’s humanitarian response,” he said.
