The Benue State Government, in collaboration with development partners, has commenced a biometric review and issuance of new identity cards for Internally Displaced Persons across the state.
The state governor, Hyacinth Alia, had earlier disclosed during a visit by the United States Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance led by Patrick Robinson in 2024 that over 1.5 million displaced persons in the state lacked access to potable water and other basic necessities of life.
Most of the displaced persons are housed in 15 designated camps, while others are staying with relatives in host communities.
Speaking during the monthly distribution of food and non-food items to IDPs in the camps on Monday, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, James Iorpuu, said the biometric exercise aims to ensure proper documentation and inclusion of all displaced persons.
Represented by the Head of Administration, Donald Komgbenda, Iorpuu said the initiative was part of Alia’s commitment to restoring the dignity of displaced persons under the Renewed Hope vision.
“This distribution is in furtherance of Governor Alia’s commitment to bringing hope, relief, and dignity to displaced populations.
“The challenges are enormous, but the governor remains determined to address their needs through practical interventions,” he stated.
He said the government, in partnership with humanitarian agencies, was not only meeting immediate needs but also taking deliberate steps to restore livelihoods and rebuild communities.
“Through this intervention, food and non-food items are being distributed across 15 official IDP camps.
“In collaboration with our partners, we have begun the biometric review and issuance of new identity cards to IDPs in camps and host communities to ensure proper documentation and inclusion,” he added.
Iorpuu noted that under a partnership with the UN Refugee Agency, solar-powered boreholes had been installed in returnee communities such as Tatyough in Makurdi Local Government Area, where relief materials were also distributed.
He further revealed that, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration, the state had initiated housing and water projects at Naka Dam, including the construction of a water treatment plant to tackle persistent water scarcity in Naka IDP camp and surrounding host communities.
While appreciating international and local partners for their support, Iorpuu urged continued collaboration among humanitarian actors and government agencies.
“The support of our partners aligns with the Durable Solutions Plan for IDPs in Benue and remains crucial to the success of the state’s humanitarian response,” he said.
Benue unveils biometric review, new ID cards for IDPs
