In a heated political twist, Dr. Emmanuel Shior, the former Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has strongly rebutted Governor Hyacinth Alia’s recent claims regarding the absence of inherited data on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State.
? Related Post: Understanding Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria – Causes and Impact
Shior Refutes Data Denial by Governor Alia
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, Dr. Shior voiced his concerns over what he termed a misleading narrative by the current governor. He questioned if the administration’s data absence also extended to the Cameroonian refugees who are currently taking refuge in the state.
“Governor Alia’s statement is a distortion of the truth,” Dr. Shior asserted.
“My handover notes included detailed records showing nearly 2 million IDPs and over 10,000 Cameroonian refugees within Benue.”
This revelation throws a wrench into the administration’s claim and raises concerns about the sincerity and preparedness of the state government in managing its humanitarian responsibilities.
Previous Administration’s Humanitarian Strategies
Dr. Shior, who also lectures at the Federal University of Lafia, highlighted several strategic initiatives carried out by the past administration. These included:
- Partnerships with national and international humanitarian organizations, such as:
- NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency)
- UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
- UNICEF
- A data-driven approach to aid management
- Hosting of IDP symposiums to refine IDP-related strategies
- Development of the Benue State Humanitarian Response Plan
These partnerships were instrumental in the creation of a centralized and reliable data system for IDP management in Benue.
For reference on best humanitarian data practices, see this UNHCR Data Coordination Guide (external link).
Governor Previously Used the Same Data
In a surprising turn, Dr. Shior pointed out that Governor Alia himself had previously referenced the same data in various public briefings and discussions with aid organizations.
This inconsistency has sparked confusion and criticism, especially since the government claims to have made progress in the welfare of IDPs — yet new camps continue to emerge without basic facilities or sustainable planning.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Alia’s denial of existing IDP data has been publicly challenged by former SEMA boss Dr. Shior.
- The previous administration reportedly documented over 2 million IDPs and 10,000 Cameroonian refugees.
- Collaborative efforts were in place with UNHCR, UNICEF, and NEMA to provide structured humanitarian aid.
- The data Governor Alia now denies was previously used and acknowledged in his own briefings.
Why This Matters
Accurate IDP data is crucial for effective policy planning, humanitarian aid distribution, and international support. This controversy not only reflects the political tensions in Benue State but also reveals the potential risk to vulnerable populations due to lack of continuity in emergency management.
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