Benue group urges FG to redeem N10bn IDPs resettlement pledge

A coalition of youths in Benue State has called on the federal government to redeemed its N10 billion pledge to enable the resettlement of over 500,000 Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) scattered around many camps in the state.

Our correspondent recalled that the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, had on behalf of the federal government, during his visit pledged the sum of N10 billion on May 15, 2018 at the Abagana IDPs camp in Guma Local Government Area of the state to fast track the rehabilitation of all affected communities in the states of the federation including Benue.

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But the group was worried that the IDPs, up till now, have remained in the camps because the federal government was yet to fulfill its promise, leaving the burden to the state governments.

“Why is it that people displaced by invasive elements would be left to their fate by a government that pretends to care for the people?

“It is deeply troubling that government would consider building permanent structures in refugee camps and will be building houses for people displaced by insurgents who are threatening the very existence of the Nigerian state. It defies reason and the government of Muhammadu Buhari has to convince Benue State that it is still part of the country.

“What is good for the gander should be good for the goose,” the group stated.

In a statement signed by Comrade Shima Atokaa, the spokesman of  Concerned Tiv Youths in Nigeria, Comrade Abel Magaji of Idoma Youths Forum and Comrade Ogwuche Imoha of Igede Youths Forum, the three groups urged the federal government to stop the  marginalisation of Benue people.

“We unequivocally demand that the federal government should, as a matter urgency, fulfill its promise made through the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, on 15th May, 2018 in Daudu, Guma LGA of Benue State that it has approved N10 billion for fast rehabilitation of all affected communities in states of the federation including Benue.

“Our people have waited for too long to see the fulfillment of the promise. We demand sincerity from the federal government in handling sensitive issues of security and the humanitarian crises facing Benue and other parts of the north central region.”