Relief Materials for IDPs Seized, Governor Refuses to Release

A recent development has sparked concerns about the delivery of much-needed relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) had donated food and non-food items to Hon. Terseer Ugbor, Member of the House of Representatives, to ease the suffering of the IDPs. However, the governor of the state, Hyacinth Alia, has reportedly seized the relief materials, halting their distribution.

The donated items, which included sacks of garri, rice, wrappers, mosquito nets, seasoning cubes, and tomato paste, were given to Hon. Ugbor’s Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Ajai Francis. Francis and NEMA collaborated to transport the goods to Makurdi, Benue State, where they were stored in a warehouse until suitable dates could be set for distribution under the supervision of NEMA and SEMA. However, while the items were being offloaded, the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, in collaboration with a representative from SEMA, halted the process, claiming that the governor had ordered the items to be moved immediately to Government House.

Despite multiple attempts to clarify that the items were released from NEMA’s office in Jos specifically for IDPs in Hon. Ugbor’s constituency, and efforts involving various government officials and security personnel, including the DSS and Police, the Governor has remained firm in refusing to release the truck and its contents. According to aides of Hon. Ugbor, the governor’s stance has caused significant delays in delivering much-needed relief to the IDPs, who continue to suffer in the camps.

The truck owner is also reportedly pressuring the lawmaker for demurrage charges as each day passes. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, has denied the incident and promised to investigate further. The move has raised concerns about the governor’s intentions and has sparked a debate about the delivery of relief materials to those in need.

It is crucial that the situation is resolved promptly to ease the suffering of the IDPs. The governor’s action has not only delayed the distribution of relief materials but has also caused unnecessary distress to the affected individuals. It is essential that all parties involved work together to resolve this issue and ensure that the relief materials reach those who need them the most.