Dr. Emmanuel Shior, the former Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has taken issue with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s recent statement that his administration did not inherit any data on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
In a statement released to the press in Makurdi, Dr. Shior expressed concern over the Governor’s comments, questioning whether the state also lacks data on the Cameroonian refugees it hosts.
He stressed the importance of having accurate data to effectively manage the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the state, which has been exacerbated by rising insecurity, leading to an increase in the number of displaced persons.
“Governor Alia’s claim is not accurate. My handover documents included data showing approximately two million IDPs and about 10,000 Cameroonian refugees in the state,” Dr. Shior stated.
Now a lecturer at the Federal University of Lafia, Dr. Shior emphasized that the previous administration had built strong partnerships and held workshops to gather reliable data for effective IDP management.
These initiatives, which involved collaborations with agencies like NEMA, UNHCR, and UNICEF, led to the creation of the Benue State Humanitarian Response Plan.
He further noted that Governor Alia had previously acknowledged the same data in public statements and meetings with humanitarian groups, raising questions about the Governor’s sudden change in position.
Dr. Shior also criticized the current government for its failure to improve IDP management, revealing that many displaced persons have reported a decrease in the supply of relief materials since the leadership change in 2023.
“What’s particularly troubling is that while the Governor claims to have improved conditions for IDPs, new camps are being set up with insufficient provisions for their needs,” he said.
He urged Governor Alia to swiftly update and make use of the existing IDP data to ensure better coordination and management of humanitarian efforts, calling for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of resources meant to support displaced persons.
The humanitarian situation in Benue continues to be a significant concern, and Dr. Shior’s comments highlight the critical need for accurate data and effective governance to address the pressing needs of the state’s displaced populations.