By Peter Amine
The Benue government, in partnership with development agencies, has launched a policy aimed at improving support and durable solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
Gov. Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Dr Sam Ode, unveiled the policy in Makurdi on Tuesday, describing it as a social contract with displaced communities.
He explained that the policy was developed with financial support from Save the Children International (SCI), following earlier frameworks under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Alia said the policy marked a milestone and a beacon of hope for thousands of people displaced by conflict and disaster across the state.
“It provides a coordinated roadmap from emergency aid to durable, people-centred solutions,” he stated, pledging continued government commitment to help displaced families rebuild their lives with dignity.
He commended the support of IOM, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNDP, UNFPA, SCI and others, while stressing that aid alone could not deliver long-term stability.
According to him, project design must recognise the political and social realities of communities, even as international partners maintain their non-political stance in implementation.
The governor urged ministries, agencies, civil society, private sector and community leaders to rally behind the policy and support IDPs to regain normalcy.
He assured displaced persons that their resilience inspires the state government and that their plight remains central to policy and durable solutions plans.
Ms Jane Mutua, SCI Deputy Country Director, said the organisation was delighted to witness the launch, describing it as a bold step toward restoring dignity and rights.
She reiterated SCI’s mission to safeguard children, ensure quality education, prevent deaths from avoidable causes, and eliminate violence against children in every circumstance.
Mutua stressed that displacement disrupts homes, schools, health and dreams, making the new policy critical for protecting children’s safety and well-being in affected communities.
She thanked the state for domesticating the National IDP Policy and acknowledged SCI’s role in providing technical and financial assistance throughout the process.
She further appreciated the efforts of Ms Seember Wayo, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor, for coordinating the technical working group with SCI and government.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Aondowase Kunde, thanked international partners for their support and pledged diligent implementation of the policy for the benefit of displaced persons.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that goodwill messages came from traditional rulers, religious leaders and representatives of IDPs during the launch ceremony. NAN
