The Benue State Government has officially introduced its Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, Policy, describing it as both a historic step and a source of renewed hope for thousands forced from their homes by violence and natural disasters.
Speaking at the launch held at the Government House in Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia recalled that upon taking office two years ago, he promised to prioritize the safe return and reintegration of displaced persons.
According to him, with backing from international partners, the state has already recorded progress in areas such as shelter provision, humanitarian aid, and protection services.
Benue, widely regarded as Nigeria’s “food basket,” has grappled with waves of displacement for years, with new families continuously seeking refuge in makeshift camps, thereby dimming hopes of normal life returning soon.
That reality may begin to change, however, with the unveiling of the state’s comprehensive IDP policy, supported financially by Save the Children.
Governor Alia, represented at the event by Deputy Governor Sam Ode, said the initiative represents a transition from emergency relief to recovery and from temporary aid to long-term resilience.
He further emphasized that the framework is “a social contract between government, partners, and displaced communities,” aimed at ensuring that affected persons remain at the core of all interventions.
Reassuring displaced citizens, the governor declared: “You are not forgotten, you are not alone, your resilience inspires us, your future is at the heart of this policy and our durable solutions action plan.”
‘You’re not forgotten’ – Alia assures Benue IDPs as state introduces new policy