The Federal Government through the National Commission For Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, has distributed palliative items to IDPs in Benue to cushion the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, the 250 bags of beans given as part of the items for distribution to IDPs in Benue State were spoilt, the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA said.
Making the presentation at the headquarters of State Emergency Management Agency, in Makurdi, on Monday, the National Federal Commissioner, Rasheed Mohammed said “We are here in Benue to support some persons of concern with food and non-food items.”
According to him, the items are for those that have been displaced from their homes and forced to live in their host communities.
He noted that their records showed that Benue State has over 100 refugees and internally displaced persons saying “As an agency that is mandated to provide care and maintenance to these vulnerable group, we will continue to do our best to make their lives better.”
Mr. Mohammed thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his actions, support and commitment towards alleviating the sufferings of vulnerable people.
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He appealed to the beneficiaries to make good use of the items given to them and not to take them to the market for sale.
The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Emmanuel Shior, while receiving the items expressed gratitude to the President for all the care and wonderful support he has given to IDPs in the state.
Speaking through his accountant, Steven Buba, the SEMA Boss said the items which comprised food and non food items included 355 bags of rice, 250 bags of beans “which was almost spoilt and we took permission from them to share”, 56 bags of garri, 256 bags of Millet, 300 gallons of palm oil, 23 bags of iodized salt, 71cartons of tomato paste and 65 cartons of Maggi.
Non food items included assorted drugs, 1500 mats, 1000 pieces of blankets, 80 cartons of detergents, 80 cartons of bathing soap, 85 dozens of bathroom slippers of various sizes, 800 plastics, cooking pots among others.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients Mrs. Ngwuaga Puur and Lydia Hiev all from the Daudu camp, in Guma local government area of the state thanked the Federal government for giving them relief materials and promised to make good use of them.
The State Governor, Samuel Ortom while fielding questions from journalists over the beans said government will investigate.
