Thursday, October 2nd, 2023
The Tiv Area Traditional Council (TATC) has given a nod to Gov. Hyacinth Alia plans to build cluster settlements for the resettlement of Internally displaced individuals in the state.
The council expressed satisfaction with the plan today in Gboko during the Ijir Tamen in Gboko, the Traditional Headquarters of the Tiv nation.
Governor Alia says the Benue State Government is working with the Federal Government to construct Ancestral Resettlement Homes for the return of Internally Displaced Persons to their ancestral communities.
Represented at the meeting by the Hon. Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs & Disaster Management, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, the Governor revealed that the State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management was working with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide decent accommodation, security, healthcare, and education for the Persons of Concern (PoC) as they return to their ancestral homes.
He expressed optimism that the construction of the Resettlement Homes of the PoCs will enable them return to their farming activities and other vocations, which would improve their economic well-being and boost local commerce.
He further disclosed that the Governor has also been engaging the military hierarchy with a view to establishing military bases in strategic locations in the senatorial districts of the State to improve internal security.
The Governor appealed to the Tiv Traditional Council to support the move by the government and encourage their subjects to embrace the initiative, as schools and hospitals will also be built in the affected communities to reduce the rate of out-of-school children and improve access to Healthcare by the returnees.
Responding, Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse commended the Governor for his commitment to improving the welfare of the IDPs since his assumption of office
He said the TATC wholeheartedly welcomed the idea of building Cluster Resettlement Homes for indigenous Internally Displaced Persons in their ancestral homes, describing it as a courageous move by the Governor. He pledged the support of the TATC for the plan.
The Begha u Tiv further advised that the project be undertaken in line with the 'Soor-tema' cultural norms and values of the Tiv people.
The Tor Tiv regretted that past administrations in Nigeria paid lip services to the security challenges that have bedeviled the Tiv nation and other parts of the State, but expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alia’s desire to bring relief and succour to the IDPs in Benue.
While decrying the near extinction of some communities in Guma, Kwande, Gwer West, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Ukum and Makurdi due to attacks by militia herdsmen, he pledged support for all plans by Governor Alia to improve the ugly humanitarian situation pervading the state.
Sir Tersoo Kula,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State
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