Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes, while pledging continued support for those remaining in camps and host communities.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, stated this on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Ichuwa IDP Camp, North Bank, Makurdi, during the 40th birthday celebration of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Betta Edu, with displaced families.

Governor Alia commended Dr. Edu for choosing to celebrate with vulnerable persons, describing the gesture as a demonstration of compassion, solidarity and commitment to humanity. He stressed that the government would not compel displaced persons to return home until adequate security and the conditions for a safe and dignified return were guaranteed.

He assured that the donated empowerment items would be judiciously distributed, adding that his administration remained committed to working with the Federal Government, development partners and other stakeholders to restore peace, rebuild livelihoods and ensure children return to school.

In her remarks, Dr. Edu said the celebration was intended to bring hope and relief to displaced families, while empowering women to become economically self-reliant. The intervention included 40 sewing machines, 40 refrigerators, 40 grinding machines, hairdressing equipment, mobile washers, food items, wrappers, 40 scholarships for schoolgirls and business start-up support for 40 women, with special attention to persons with disabilities.

She encouraged the displaced families to remain resilient, prioritise children's education and protect the girl-child from exploitation. She also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alia for their efforts towards restoring peace and facilitating the return of displaced persons to their communities.

The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Benue State and Renewed Hope Initiative, Hon. Scholastica Terngu Ben-Sor, described Dr. Edu as a daughter of Benue State and commended her commitment to supporting women and children affected by displacement.

The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga, was represented by the Majority Chief Whip, Hon.Simon Gabo, who thanked Dr. Edu for choosing to celebrate her milestone with displaced families and prayed for God's blessings upon her.

Kehe Hon

Information Officer

Government House Makurdi