17 Benue LGAs Attacked, Thousands Displaced – BSEMA

The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Dr. James Iorpuu, has revealed that 17 out of the 23 local government areas in the state are currently experiencing various forms of attacks.

Speaking to journalists in Makurdi on Wednesday, Iorpuu disclosed that only Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Konshisha, Gboko, Ushongo, and one other council area have so far been spared.

Dr. Iorpuu, who also serves as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, explained that the persistent attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, leaving many homeless and financially vulnerable.

He cautioned that unless the Rivers Benue and Niger are dredged, Nigeria would continue to suffer devastating annual floods.

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Iorpuu also noted that the recent Conference of State Emergency Management Agencies held in Lagos had significantly strengthened the capacity of emergency managers in Benue.

The BSEMA boss commended Governor Hyacinth Alia, stating that the governor’s performance has exceeded public expectations.

Dismissing a report by an independent assessor that rated Alia’s administration as average, he said:

“For the governor to have not borrowed money from any financial institution since assumption of office is a clear indication of purposeful leadership and accountability.”

He further revealed that the “Divine Mandate” group, which convinced Alia to contest the 2023 election, remains proud of his record in office.

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According to Iorpuu, preparations are already underway for the second phase of the group’s campaign to promote the governor’s achievements ahead of the 2027 election year.