Benue IDPs Celebrate National Day, Reflect on Resilience

Despite enduring hardships in their prolonged stay at camps, internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue commemorated National IDPs Day with a show of resilience on Monday. Celebrations took place across 14 camps in the state, where the displaced expressed gratitude for life amid challenges.

National IDPs Day marks the adoption of the Kampala Convention, highlighting the importance of protecting and supporting IDPs in Africa. Nigeria, an early adopter, uses this day to honor the strength and perseverance of IDPs while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to their rehabilitation and resettlement.

Eunice Mgbangun, a 57-year-old mother of 10 at Gbajimba IDP Camp Two, expressed gratitude for survival despite her hardships. She shared her optimism about returning home soon, noting progress in farming on their ancestral land.

At Mega Camp in Mbayongo, Makurdi, Titus Terhemba, displaced three times over eight years, acknowledged the difficulties but stressed the importance of maintaining hope. “We celebrate surviving through every attack,” he said.

International Organisation for Migration (IOM) official Mediatrice Barengayabo commended the IDPs’ spirit, emphasizing their inspiring resilience. “Your story is one of hope and determination,” she noted, assuring them that recovery and peace are within reach.

Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Executive Secretary Sir James Iorpuu announced plans to initiate a six-hectare IDP pilot farm in Gbajimba as part of resettlement efforts. He affirmed the government’s intention to facilitate the return of all IDPs to their homes and emphasized that the current camps were only temporary.

The event included a moment of silence for victims of past violence, followed by traditional Tiv dances and drama performances by the IDPs, showcasing their enduring cultural pride.