Chukwu Obinna 
MAKURDI, Nigeria – Benue State authorities announce a long-term recovery strategy aimed at moving thousands of displaced residents from emergency relief to sustainable resettlement, as communal violence and flooding continue to uproot communities.
The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), James Iorpuu, disclosed the plan on Thursday while supervising the distribution of food and non-food items to internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the state.
Iorpuu acknowledges that relief materials cannot replace lost homes or livelihoods but says they remain essential while permanent solutions are developed.
“The government is committed not only to emergency support but to long-term recovery, including livelihood restoration, farming support and a coordinated return to ancestral homes,” he says.
He stresses that the distribution process follows strict verification procedures to ensure only verified victims’ benefit, warning that diversion of aid will not be tolerated.
“Every item released today is meant strictly for displaced persons. Transparency remains our priority,” Iorpuu adds.
Beneficiaries receive staple food items to address urgent nutritional needs, alongside household essentials designed to improve living conditions in camps and host communities.
The SEMA boss commends humanitarian partners, security agencies, traditional rulers and camp managers for sustaining relief efforts, while calling for continued collaboration as the state transitions towards recovery and reconstruction.
The announcement follows high-level talks in Makurdi between Benue officials and representatives of the United States Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, as the state seeks international backing to strengthen its response to displacement.
With Benue hosting one of Nigeria’s largest displaced populations, officials say long-term recovery remains critical to restoring stability and rebuilding livelihoods.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius