The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a project to build cluster resettlement homes for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State, who have been affected by various crises and disasters.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, performed the groundbreaking ceremony at Mbagwen, Makurdi Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue, on Thursday. She said the project was part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the lives of IDPs and restoring their dignity.
“Benue people have cried enough, they have struggled enough, they have been in pain enough. President Tinubu says it is time for the Benue people to rejoice,” she said.
According to the minister, the cluster resettlement homes will be built in six months through direct labour, using local materials and manpower. She said each cluster will have 20 houses, which will allow the IDPs to return to their ancestral homes and communities.
She added that the Federal Government will provide the funds and supervise the project, while the State Government will monitor the implementation of cluster resettlement homes for the IDPs .
The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, who was also present at the ceremony, said the security situation in the state was beyond herders’ attacks, as the state was also facing challenges of banditry and kidnappings.
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He said his administration had deployed an underground security architecture, which had resulted in the relative peace the state was currently enjoying.
He commended the Federal Government for the initiative and assured the minister of his support and cooperation.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, said the crisis had affected eight LGAs in the state, namely Guma, Logo, Ukum, Kwande, Gwer West, Agatu, Makurdi and Katsina-Ala.
He said the government had implemented strong measures to prevent and reduce vulnerability to future crises and disasters. He appealed to the IDPs to be patient and hopeful, as the government was working hard to address their plight by building cluster resettlement homes.