IOM to Empower Benue IDPs, Address Root Causes of Crisis
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has pledged to empower Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State while tackling the root causes of the crisis that has displaced thousands.
The IOM Chief of Mission, Ms. Paola Pace, made this known during her visit to the Ortese IDPs Camp in Guma Local Government Area on Friday, where she assessed the living conditions of the displaced persons.
Pace emphasized that while the organisation is currently focused on humanitarian response, it is also committed to addressing the underlying issues driving the crisis.
“At the moment we are focusing more on the humanitarian response. But we are also looking at the root causes of these fights. I do believe that the population has increased, and the resources remained the same, so is it really a fight for resources?
So there is more work to be done in terms of empowering people to find their livelihood to be able to survive.”
Pace announced plans to launch durable solutions for the IDPs on January 24, 2025, in partnership with private sector actors who will create job opportunities for Benue residents. She explained that economic empowerment is key to resolving resource-based conflicts.
“If there is income for everybody, there will be no reason to fight over resources. If social economy is the reason these fights arise, people die and lose their source of income.
We need to look into these deep-rooted causes. But we can’t do this alone; we need other partners to make this happen.”
The IOM chief assured that the organisation would mobilize additional partners in 2025 to enhance peace building efforts and strengthen emergency response and prevention measures.
Pace added that a monitoring team would visit in February to evaluate progress and address any identified gaps. She expressed satisfaction with the improved living conditions at the camp since IOM’s involvement.
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In his remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr. Aondowase Kunde, reaffirmed the Benue State Government’s commitment under Governor Hyacinth Alia to improving the lives of IDPs. Kunde noted that the launch of the Durable Solutions Action Plan would mark the beginning of its implementation.
The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, praised IOM for its contributions, including the construction of a dam that provides water over a distance of four kilometers and other projects like the Displacement Tracking Matrix and the mega camp.
The Head of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Operations (ECHO), Mr. Alexander Castellano, accompanied Pace during the visit, further emphasizing the global commitment to supporting displaced persons in Benue.
