Benue State is currently navigating a complex landscape of humanitarian challenges, with a significant majority of its local governments reeling from persistent insecurity and the looming threat of annual flooding. This stark picture was painted by James Iorpuu, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), who also serves as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
Speaking to newsmen in Makurdi, Iorpuu revealed that a staggering 17 out of the 23 local government areas in Benue State are actively facing the devastating impact of herder attacks. Only six LGAs – Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Konshisha, Gboko, Ushongo, and one other unnamed council – have been spared from these incessant assaults.
The humanitarian fallout from these attacks is immense. Iorpuu noted that the violence has rendered hundreds of thousands of Benue people homeless and financially incapacitated, among other severe hardships. The scale of displacement and economic disruption underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the security crisis gripping the state.
The Looming Threat of Flooding
Adding to the state’s woes, Iorpuu highlighted the perennial problem of flooding. He firmly stated that for Benue and indeed other parts of the country, flooding would remain an annual issue unless the Federal Government takes proactive steps to dredge the Rivers Benue and Niger. This crucial intervention, he explained, is vital to mitigate the devastating impact of seasonal deluges that displace communities and destroy livelihoods.
BSEMA’s Evolving Role and Governor Alia’s Leadership
Despite these daunting challenges, Iorpuu affirmed BSEMA’s commitment to its mandate. He noted that a recently concluded conference of State Emergency Management Agencies in Lagos has “widened the horizons” of emergency managers across the state, equipping them with enhanced knowledge and strategies to better respond to crises.
Shifting focus to the state’s leadership, Iorpuu offered a strong endorsement of Governor Alia’s performance since assuming office. He unequivocally stated that the governor has “performed beyond their expectations,” dismissing claims from an independent assessor that Benue, under Alia’s leadership, was low in performance.
“For the governor to have not borrowed money from any financial institution since assumption of office is a clear indication of purposeful leadership and accountability,” Iorpuu asserted, highlighting what he sees as a hallmark of good governance.
He further revealed that “Divine Mandate,” the group that championed Governor Alia’s 2023 governorship bid, is immensely proud of his achievements to date. Looking ahead, Iorpuu announced that a “second phase” of efforts would be launched towards the end of the year to further showcase and campaign for Governor Alia for the 2027 election cycle.
Concluding his remarks, the BSEMA ES issued a stern warning to the people of Benue, calling on them to be wary of those who seek to undermine progress by advocating for the sharing of state funds with a few individuals at the detriment of the wider populace.
Benue State, therefore, stands at a critical juncture, grappling with intertwined security and environmental crises while its leadership strives to deliver on its mandate amidst political maneuvering. The call from BSEMA’s head is clear: vigilance and support for purposeful governance are paramount for the state’s future.
