Actionaid, Plan Int’l, Christian Aid intervene in Benue humanitarian crisis

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

No fewer than 11,189 internally displaced households in Benue State, have benefitted from the Start fund Network intervention, being implemented by Plan International Nigeria, ActionAid in Nigeria and Christian Aid.
The Country Director of ActionAid in Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, disclosed this at a press conference in Makurdi, Friday.
Mamedu who was represented by the Manager, Humanitarian and Resilience, David Habba said a total of 3, 806 households(26,179 individuals) received unconditional cash transfer, and 3, 506 households (24,297 individuals) received non-food items; while 1,100 girls and women received dignity kits; whereas 2,777 persons received psychological first aid in Apa, Agatu, Kwande, Logo and Ukum LGAs of the State.
He noted that over the past 45 days, ActionAid Nigeria, alongside Christian Aid in a consortium led by Plan International, has been providing urgent humanitarian assistance to communities affected by conflict in Local Governments of Ukum, Logo, Kwande, Apa, and Agatu in Benue State.
Also, the country Director stated that the collaborative effort has been driven by the organisations’ collective commitment to alleviating the suffering of those impacted by the violence and displacement.
“During this critical period, our consortium worked tirelessly to reach out to the most vulnerable communities with essential aid and support.
“We have prioritized the delivery of assistance in various forms, including cash assistance, non-food items, dignity kits, and protection services.
“These interventions have been carefully tailored to meet the diverse needs of affected individuals and families, aiming to restore their dignity and resilience in the face of adversity.
“Our teams on the ground have demonstrated unwavering dedication and perseverance in ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most, often operating in challenging and volatile environments.
“Through close coordination with local authorities, community leaders, and other humanitarian actors, we have been able to maximize the impact of our interventions and effectively respond to emerging needs.
“As we bring our intervention to a close today, it is crucial for us to reflect not only on what we have accomplished in the past 45 days but also on the ongoing human cost of the conflicts ravaging the state.
“While our efforts have undoubtedly provided relief and assistance to many, the underlying causes of the conflicts persist, leaving communities trapped in a cycle of violence and insecurity.
“The toll of these conflicts on the lives and livelihoods of ordinary people cannot be overstated. Families have been torn apart, homes destroyed, and futures shattered.
“The trauma and suffering endured by those affected are profound and long-lasting, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts”, Mamedu stated.
He further noted that the violence in Benue has not only resulted in loss of lives but has also had a profound impact on the social fabric of communities, exacerbating tensions and deepening divisions, stressing that the cycle of violence and displacement has continued to create a humanitarian crisis of alarming proportions, with thousands of people in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical assistance.
According to him: “The human cost of these conflicts cannot be overstated. Behind every statistic lies a story of pain, trauma, and grief. Innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, are bearing the brunt of this violence, facing unimaginable hardships and insecurity daily.
“The number of people who can longer access their villages, farmlands are now confined to the IDP camps, host communities etc is worrisome.
“The Benue crisis, unfortunately, remains one of the most overlooked humanitarian crises, receiving minimal attention and support. Despite the staggering human cost and widespread suffering endured by affected communities, media coverage and international aid efforts have been disproportionately low compared to other conflicts.
“This lack of attention exacerbates the already dire situation, leaving communities feeling abandoned and marginalized.”
The organisations however, called on the global community to acknowledge the profound human toll exacted by the ongoing conflicts in Benue State and pledge unwavering support for initiatives fostering peace, reconciliation and sustainable development in the region.