The Benue State Government has said the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in camps across the state has dropped significantly, attributing the decline to improved security measures implemented by the current administration.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday regarding the government’s security efforts, Tersoo Kula, Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, said sustained interventions had enabled many displaced residents to return to their homes.
Kula explained that upon assuming office, the governor prioritised strengthening security at the grassroots, following reports of misconduct and criminality involving groups previously tasked with enforcing security-related laws. As a result, the former structure was dismantled and replaced with a newly established Civil Protection Guard.
According to him, the Civil Protection Guard was created to complement conventional security agencies deployed from the federal level. Personnel were recruited and fully equipped to enhance security operations, particularly in vulnerable communities.
He added that the governor also approved the formation of a joint task force, which has continued to work alongside other security agencies to curb attacks and restore confidence among residents.
“There’s no way that you have 100% of security clearance, but here is a situation where, because of the efforts the Governor has done, many people have gone back to their homes,” Kula said.
To underscore the impact of these measures, Kula cited figures relating to displacement camps in the state. He said that when the administration came into office, official records from the previous government indicated that about 1.5 million people were living in IDP camps.
“I can give you the statistics. When we came into power, the Governor sought to know, and right from the pronouncements of the former government, they said they had 1.5 million people in IGP camps. The Governor asked IOM to come in and verify this after some time, after people had gone back. And presently, what is there to show that is verifiable on the IOM website is that we have just 900-plus in IGP camps.”
Melissa Enoch
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