The Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, has addressed recent allegations regarding the locking of gates at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Makurdi, the state capital.
According to the Commissioner, the temporary closure was implemented to facilitate proper verification of genuine IDPs and prevent infiltration by unauthorized individuals.
Verification Process Explained
"These are mostly youths from the host community. Ask them for their IDP cards, and they cannot show any. We have observed how they infiltrate the camp to cause disorder," Kunde explained.
The Commissioner further revealed that some local market traders had been entering the camp to collect relief materials intended for displaced persons. He cited a specific incident where aid designated for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers was being misappropriated by individuals who borrowed children to pose as legitimate beneficiaries.
"You're displaced; you should have nowhere else to go. Some claim they stepped out to bathe or sleep elsewhere. How can you call yourself an IDP if you return to your comfort and only show up for rations?" Kunde questioned.
Chef Tartenger Incident Clarified
The Commissioner also addressed allegations that Guinness World Record Cook-a-thon participant, Chef Victor Tartenger, was assaulted in his presence. Kunde firmly denied these claims, stating: "I don't even know the man personally. He arrived, quarreled with the police, and I had to intervene. I called him aside and told him to calm down."
According to Kunde, he had personally facilitated Chef Tartenger's entry into the camp the previous day when he cooked for the IDPs. The situation reportedly escalated when Tartenger allegedly told security operatives to "go and fight armed herders in Yelwata," a remark that purportedly angered the officers.
"His female colleague who cooked with him yesterday was allowed into the camp. She is inside. People are quick to jump to conclusions because Facebook is free," the Commissioner added.
Commitment to IDP Welfare
Kunde emphasized that measures are being implemented to ensure that only genuine IDPs benefit from relief materials. He affirmed the governor's commitment to the welfare of displaced persons while maintaining that opportunists would not be allowed to exploit the humanitarian situation.
"The governor is committed to the welfare of displaced persons, but we will not allow opportunists to exploit the situation," he concluded.
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