BENUE (SUNDIATA POST)- Despite their continuous stay and sufferings at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Benue, the IDPs on Monday celebrated National IDPs Day.
The IDPs, who celebrated the day at all 14 camps in the state, expressed optimism that in spite of their challenges, they were still alive.
The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National IDP Day is celebrated to mark the adoption of the groundbreaking Kampala Convention for the Protection and Assistance of IDPs in Africa.
NAN reports that Nigeria is one of the first countries to set aside a date to celebrate the internally displaced persons.
The day is therefore marked to bring to the fore the unwavering resilience and determination of IDPs in Nigeria and the resolve of the Federal Government to ensure their total rehabilitation, reintegration, and resettlement.
Eunice Mgbangun, a 57-year-old mother of 10, told NAN that they were celebrating their survival and appreciating God for the gift of life.
Mgbangun said that she was staying at the Gbajimba IDP Camp Two with seven of her children, and she cannot ask for more in such a condition.
She expressed optimism that they would soon return to their ancestral homes, as they have already started farming on their ancestral farms this year.
Also at Mega Camp, Mbayongo in Makurdi, Mr Titus Terhemba told NAN that he was displaced on three occasions within eight years.
Terhemba said that though life was tough with his family members who were all staying with him at the camp, they chose to be happy.
He said they were specifically celebrating their survival from all the attacks.
Addressing the IDPs at the camps visited, Ms Mediatrice Barengayabo, Head, Benue Sub-Office, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), commended the IDPs for their resilient spirit.
Barengayabo said the strength and commitment of the IDPs have further made their work easier.
She commended the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance for providing the funds to execute numerous projects and the Benue Government for her support and hospitality.
“You have faced so much hardship, yet you keep going. Your story is one of hope and determination, a true example of the human will to survive and thrive, even in the toughest times.
“Being displaced has brought many challenges, but it does not define who you are. You are important, you are valued, and you are part of our community.
“Please remember, you are not alone. Your strength and resilience inspire us all. Let today remind you that change is possible, recovery is within reach, and peace can come.
“Stay hopeful and keep strong as we work together to bring stability and hope back to your lives. We will keep moving forward, building a better future where everyone can find their place and feel at home again with respect and hope,” she said.
The Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Sir James Iorpuu, said the state would commence the IDPs farm with a six-hectare pilot farm in Gbajimba, Guma LG.
Iorpuu said plans were at an advanced stage to resettle all IDPs to their ancestral homes, adding that the new tents were temporary homes.
He said the state has already identified durable solutions that would permanently end the unprovoked attacks on innocent people in the state.
“Today is the day set aside to celebrate IDPs nationwide. We are celebrating you people today not because you are happy but because, despite all the challenges, you have survived.
“Benue Government has made it very clear that it was her intention to resettle all IDPs to their ancestral homes.
“These are temporary tents; we do not intend to accommodate you here for a long time. Your situation in the other camps was quite disturbing, so we felt that it is more appropriate that you stay in these tents for the time being.” he said
NAN reports that the high point of the celebration was the observation of a minute of silence for all those who lost their lives in the attacks.
NAN reports that the IDPs, clad in Tiv traditional attire, entertained their guests with dance and drama.
(NAN)
