By Faith Igbudu
The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr Emmanuel Shior has revealed that no fewer than 24 persons were killed by the 2022 flood that recently ravaged some parts of the agrarian state.
He further disclosed that over 134,000 persons were displaced by the disaster, with several properties badly destroyed.
Shior, who stated this in an exclusive interview with The Voice, however, faulted the insinuations from some notable persons, especially from a prominent son of Iharev extraction, recently, that Governor Samuel Ortom was instigating the incessant attacks and killings on the land so as to score some cheap political points.
He noted that even though the federal government has not shown sincerity of purpose in ending the attacks, Ortom is seriously committed by way of sternly speaking out against the killings, and ensuring that scores of IDPs are catered for.
He stated that in addition to herdsmen attacks, some of those displaced by the flood have joined the IDPs that are in the camps already while majority of them are in the host communities with their relations and friends.
“Quite a number of hectares of farmlands, properties, houses have also being destroyed.
“It’s a really big challenge for Benue State Government but the governor has not relented. He has continued to mobilize Benue SEMA to cater for the well-being of persons of concern. He has continued to create an enabling environment for SEMA and other humanitarian partners to work together. From time to time, we get support from spirited individuals, other humanitarian partners in the state to support Benue state government in looking after these people. All of these have resulted to millions being spent on a monthly basis to care for the persons of concern,” Shior stated.