In a recent announcement, the Governor of Benue State introduced a comprehensive five-year program worth N853 billion aimed at supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the region. The program focuses on facilitating the safe return of IDPs to their original homes. The initiative, known as Durable Solutions, is structured around three main strategies: Return, Reintegration, and Resettlement.
Key components of the program include community dialogues to promote peace, land contributions from traditional leaders for farming and relocation purposes, and the establishment of cooperatives to assist IDPs in transitioning back to their communities. Significant efforts have been made to allocate and prepare 5,000 hectares of land for IDP cluster farms, benefiting over 4,200 individuals through 210 Farmers Cooperatives. The beneficiaries will receive training in various farming practices such as rice, maize, cassava, and vegetable cultivation.
The program aims to provide IDPs with access to land, subsidized inputs, improved seedlings, increased yields, and revenue opportunities. Additionally, it ensures market access for the beneficiaries at government-regulated prices and integration into the broader value chain. The Governor expressed his administration’s dedication to restoring stability and dignity to affected areas, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the government and international partners.
Acknowledging the strain on local resources due to the influx of displaced individuals across 23 Local Government Areas, the Governor highlighted the completion of the Transit Camp in Guma LGA, which provides dignified emergency shelters for over 4,000 IDPs. To ensure the success of the plan, the Benue government has allocated 10% of the state’s 2025 budget for its implementation. The Governor called for support from various stakeholders, urging coordinated efforts through the Benue Durable Solutions Taskforce to address the crisis effectively.
The Governor endorsed the State Action Plan for a five-year duration, with provisions for regular evaluations to adapt to evolving population needs. The unveiling of IDP cluster farms in Tyo-Mu, Makurdi LGA, marks a significant step in the program’s implementation, showcasing tangible progress in supporting IDPs in the state.