Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue, has commended the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), for protecting the rights of people and for saving lives.
Speaking during the visit of the UNHCR delegation to the government house in Makurdi on Friday, the governor said the agency has restored hope and provided respite to the traumatised.
“In short, you have not only been saving lives but have been ensuring that the rights and the human dignity of those being violated, persecuted or subjected to violence get respite,” he said.
“You find for them respect and safety that their own people or authorities sometimes deny them.
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“Above all, you build for them a better future away from their original homes, thus bringing meaning and happiness into their lives again.”
The governor said his administration is committed to ensuring the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes.
Irene Omendi, leader of the delegation and head of UNHCR sub-office, lauded the state government for its commitment to refugees, adding that there is noticeable peaceful coexistence between locals and displaced persons.
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She also called for more support for IDPs through the provision of schools, hospitals and other basic amenities.
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