The Benue State government has initiated the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), with 3,698 individuals returning to their ancestral homes over the weekend.
These displaced persons, who have been living in various camps across the state for periods ranging from three to twelve years due to armed conflicts, are part of a broader effort to restore peace and security in the region.
Under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the first phase of the resettlement process has commenced, focusing on 1,114 households from Baka camp in North Bank.
These families have been relocated to temporary homes constructed along the Makurdi-Gbajimba road.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, confirmed the successful relocation of the first batch of IDPs.
He coordinated the exercise in collaboration with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and other stakeholders.
Kunde emphasized the governor’s commitment to ensuring that displaced persons return to their ancestral homes.
In partnership with the IOM, the state government has established temporary shelters for the IDPs, facilitating a safe transition until they can permanently return to their original communities.