The Benue State Government has officially launched its Contingency Plan for Emergency Response for 2026 to 2028, outlining a comprehensive strategy to address humanitarian crises and strengthen resilience across the state.
The initiative was unveiled by Gov. Hyacinth Alia on Thursday in Makurdi.
Alia, who was represented by Deputy Governor Sam Odeh, described the plan as “a decisive step towards safeguarding lives and reducing vulnerability in the face of recurring emergencies.”
He explained that the new plan provides a clear framework for early warning systems and strategic resource mobilization, aimed at ensuring swift and coordinated humanitarian assistance whenever crises occur.
He said the document outlines practical steps that will enable relevant agencies and partners to respond promptly and effectively.
He noted that the ultimate goal of the plan is to minimize suffering, protect vulnerable populations, and enhance community resilience against future shocks.
He added that “by institutionalizing preparedness measures, the state hopes to move from reactive responses to proactive crisis management.”
He described the participation of development partners as evidence of genuine commitment to Benue’s recovery and stability, stressing that collaboration remains central to achieving sustainable humanitarian outcomes.
He disclosed that his foremost aspiration is to ensure the safety of the people of Benue and reiterated the state government’s determination to return Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral lands under conditions that guarantee security, access to clean water, and basic social services.
He recalled that in 2023, the state recorded 500,000 IDPs at the height of insecurity.
He, however, said that “through coordinated interventions, the number has significantly reduced across the state, though challenges persist in some local government areas.
“Targeted interventions will be intensified in such communities to facilitate safe returns and sustainable livelihoods, and as such, the state has established the Bureau of Homeland Security to work with the military and the police.
“The bureau is expected to enhance intelligence gathering, coordinate local security structures, and strengthen efforts to prevent further displacement.”
Gautier Niginot, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said EU-supported interventions in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area, are expected to directly benefit more than 33,000 people.
He described the partnership with the state government as “a model of shared responsibility in addressing humanitarian needs.”
Niginot disclosed that 600 makeshift tents had already been inaugurated for displaced families, while a total of 964 tents would soon be completed.
He noted that the shelter projects were co-funded by the Benue Government, underscoring joint ownership of the humanitarian response.
The ambassador observed that Benue is the second most affected state by displacement after Borno, making sustained intervention critical.
He added that beyond emergency relief, the EU is supporting vocational and technical training, as well as agricultural programmes, with Benue listed among three states selected to benefit from these initiatives.
Dr. Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s collaboration with the ministry and state authorities.
He emphasized the need to move beyond emergency response towards durable solutions that would enable displaced persons to rebuild their lives permanently.
Doro assured stakeholders that the Federal Government remains committed to policy leadership and would continue to work with state governments and development partners.
He stressed that Benue is not alone in its recovery efforts, pledging full federal support to ensure that displaced citizens are stabilized.
