4 Benue SEMA staff held for diverting relief materials

Four staff members, including a driver, of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have been held by the authorities over their alleged involvement in the diversion of relief materials meant for displaced persons.

The Executive Secretary of the SEMA, who disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing, said that a camp manager, two other staff and a driver allegedly diverted 52 bags of rice, gallons of palm oil, several bags of beans, cartons of Indomie, among others.

He said the suspects diverted the items from the consignment intended for the Ichuwa IDP Camp, explaining that while on their way to the camp, they offloaded part of the materials at a compound in North Bank, Makurdi, before proceeding to the camp.

He added that it was Governor Hyacinth Alia who drew his attention to the suspicious act of the affected staff and that he immediately moved to investigate the matter which led to the police arresting them.

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He further said, “I need to address an issue that has been at the forefront of our operations: the delay in the distribution of relief materials. This delay, though regrettable, has been largely due to the unrest caused by the recent nationwide protest and the unfortunate incidents of food diversion.

“Let me take this moment to personally assure both the IDPs and the entire people of Benue State that all resources and relief materials meant for you will be distributed adequately and transparently.

“Under my leadership, Benue-SEMA will not condone any attempts to sabotage our efforts to reach the displaced population. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the cause of the IDPs and other vulnerable groups in Benue State.”