IDPs with Malnourished Children Receive Food Support from BENGONET

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

A total of 40 families at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Makurdi, whose children are suffering from malnutrition, have received food items from the Benue Network of NGOs (BENGONET).

The distribution took place on Wednesday at the International Market IDP camp, which shelters victims of herdsmen attacks from Yelewata community.

BENGONET Chairman, Mr. Rommy Mom, represented by his Vice Chairman, Mr. Daniel Seer, explained that the items were provided to help improve the nutrition of the affected children and support their healthy growth.

Seer noted: “We observed the condition of the IDPs and discovered that many malnourished children have not received adequate attention. After identifying this gap, we sought permission from SEMA to select those affected and provide them with some relief materials to improve their condition.”

He expressed appreciation to the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, who is also the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, for being present to witness the exercise.

Seer further stated that BENGONET worked closely with camp officials to identify and select the families in need. The donated items included eggs, rice, beans, and other cooking essentials.

In his response, the SEMA boss, Sir James Iorpuu, commended BENGONET for supporting government efforts by reaching out to 40 families with malnourished children in the camp.

“I am very impressed. This is what I have been advocating—individuals and organizations stepping forward to assist government in supporting vulnerable members of our society,” Iorpuu said.

He acknowledged BENGONET as one of the indigenous NGOs actively supporting the state government and encouraged them to sustain their efforts. He also appreciated the contributions of international organizations toward improving the health and welfare of IDPs in Benue State.