The tranquility of the Makurdi/Laafia Federal Highway was shattered on Wednesday as a throng of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from various camps staged a protest, bringing the flow of traffic to a standstill. Their grievance stemmed from the alleged non-distribution of a N1 billion donation made by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu, during her condolence visit to Benue State the previous day. The senator’s visit was prompted by the ongoing crisis of armed herder attacks, which has displaced a significant portion of the state’s population. The protesters’ frustration was palpable, their desperation fueled by what they perceived as a broken promise of aid in a time of dire need.
At the heart of the protest was the accusation that the Benue State government had consistently failed to disburse donations intended for the IDPs. Teeser, one of the protesters, voiced the collective sentiment, claiming that numerous contributions from both public and private sources had seemingly vanished into thin air, leaving the displaced communities to languish in precarious conditions. He specifically highlighted Senator Tinubu’s N1 billion donation, emphasizing that despite the public announcement, no assistance had reached the intended recipients. This perceived lack of transparency and accountability fueled their anger, driving them to take their grievances to the streets.
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), however, offered a starkly different narrative. Tema Ager, the agency’s Information Officer, categorically dismissed the IDPs’ claims of neglect, asserting that the government consistently provided for their needs. He attributed the protest to political machinations, suggesting that the timing, so close on the heels of the First Lady’s visit and donation announcement, was no coincidence. Ager explained that the disbursement process for such a substantial donation requires time and procedural steps, implying that the protesters’ expectations of immediate distribution were unrealistic.
Ager further clarified that the N1 billion donation was specifically earmarked for resettlement efforts, not for immediate food relief. He acknowledged that there had been a delay in the most recent food distribution, originally scheduled for the previous week but postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. However, he insisted that food distribution was currently underway across the state, aiming to address the immediate needs of the IDPs. He reiterated that the government was committed to ensuring the well-being of the displaced population and that their needs were being met.
Echoing SEMA’s stance, Solomon Iorpev, the Technical Adviser on Media, Communication, and Publicity to the state governor, also labeled the protest as politically motivated. He underscored the fact that the cheque presented by Senator Tinubu was yet to be cleared and the funds accessed. He questioned the logic of protesting for funds that were not yet readily available for disbursement. Iorpev emphasized Governor Alia’s commitment to the welfare of vulnerable groups, asserting that the governor would be the last person to consider diverting funds meant for those in need. He urged politicians to set aside partisan differences and work together to address the state’s challenges.
This incident underscores the complex dynamics at play in Benue State, where the humanitarian crisis caused by armed herder attacks has been further complicated by political undercurrents. The conflicting narratives presented by the protesting IDPs and the state government highlight the critical need for transparency and accountability in the management and distribution of aid. While the state government maintains that it is diligently addressing the needs of the displaced population, the IDPs’ protest reveals a deep-seated distrust and a sense of abandonment. The situation calls for a thorough investigation into the disbursement of aid funds, coupled with open communication between the government and the affected communities, to build trust and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most. Furthermore, the incident highlights the vulnerability of displaced populations and the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the root causes of their displacement, ultimately paving the way for their safe and dignified return home.
