NEMA, Benue SEMA distribute food relief to 9,403 IDP Households in Benue … As Saudi Arabian-based KSrelief donates food baskets to vulnerable persons in Nigeria

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has flagged off the distribution of food baskets and relief materials to thousands of vulnerable households and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Benue State.

Speaking during the ceremony in Makurdi, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the intervention was provided through the support of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief).

Umar, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Fatimah Kasim, described the programme as a demonstration of the enduring humanitarian partnership between NEMA and KSrelief, noting that the Saudi-based humanitarian organization had consistently supported vulnerable populations in Nigeria through relief interventions and capacity building initiatives.

According to her, KSrelief donated a total of 24,302 food baskets for distribution to vulnerable households in Yobe, Benue, Anambra, Kebbi, and Taraba states, with Benue receiving 6,403 food baskets targeted at profiled households affected by displacement and hardship.

She said “Today’s event is yet another demonstration of the enduring humanitarian partnership between the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the King Salman Humanitarian Ald and Relief Centre.

Over the years, KSrelief has remained a dependable humanitarian partner to Nigeria, consistently supporting vulnerable populations through various relief interventions and technical assistance almed at strengthening emergency response capacity.

“I am delighted to announce that the Centre has donated a total of 24,302 food baskets to be distributed directly to the vulnerable persons In Yobe, Benue, Anambra, Kebbi and Taraba States.

In Benue State, a lotal of 6,403 households that have been profiled will be receiving the food baskets provided by the KSrellef under this Intervention.

“Similar distributions have also been carried out in other beneficiary states that Include Yobe, Anambra, Kebbi, and Taraba, thereby extending relief and hope to thousands of vulnerable familles across the country.”

Umar noted that although it was the first time KSrelief was extending humanitarian assistance to Benue State through NEMA, the intervention was timely and would complement the efforts of both the Federal and Benue State Governments in addressing humanitarian needs.

She explained that the distribution would be carried out in line with strict operational and accountability standards set by KSrelief to ensure transparency, fairness and effective delivery to beneficiaries.

“To ensure transparency, fairness, orderliness, and effective delivery to targeted beneficiaries, the exercise will be directly implemented by officials of NEMA, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and duly recognized volunteers who have been mobilized and properly guided for this humanitarian assignment. This collaborative approach is aimed at ensuring that the food baskets reach the intended vulnerable households efficiently and with dignity.”

She warned residents of flood-prone communities to take precautionary measures as the rainy season intensifies, citing forecasts contained in the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook.

Umar pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting citizens affected by disasters, conflicts, climate-related emergencies and economic challenges through humanitarian interventions and resilience building programmes.

The Executive Secretary of Benue SEMA, Sir. James Iorpuu, said the distribution exercise was aimed at providing timely assistance to families displaced by conflict and violence while advancing efforts toward durable solutions for affected populations.

Iorpuu disclosed that the intervention would benefit 6,403 households across six IDP camps in the state, including Mega Camp, Abagena, Daudu II, Ortese, Ichwa and International Market Camp.

He further revealed that the exercise also included the distribution of relief items jointly facilitated by the Benue State Government and NEMA to more than 3,000 household to support the families in meeting their immediate domestic needs.

Iorpuu commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for catering for the welfare of displaced persons in the state, noting that the administration had continued to provide policy direction and resources for humanitarian response, recovery and durable solutions.

He also expressed appreciation to NEMA, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, humanitarian partners, host communities and volunteers for their support, while assuring IDPs that government had not forgotten them and would continue working towards restoring livelihoods, promoting self-reliance and facilitating safe and dignified returns to their communities.