News Release

Succor for Benue Internally Displaced Persons

The Government of Benue State lauds gesture

LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in partnership with Bright Vision Health Foundation (BVHF), distributed relief and sanitation materials, along with much needed succor to Daodu Camp's Internally Displaced People living in Benue State.

Emmanuel Shior of Benue State Emergency Management Agency thanked the Church and BVHF for the gesture. He urged other organizations and individuals to come to the aid of the state by providing relief materials to assuage the burden of caring for the over 170,000 displaced persons who have been placed in eight camps across the state.

Shior stated that killings and sacking of more villages by the invading Fulani herdsmen have continued unabated, thereby swelling the number of IDPs in the state.

Adaobi Dozie, a representative of BVHF, said the donation was given to provid emergency response to the humanitarian crisis in Benue, occasioned by the Fulani herdsmen incursions into the state since January, 208.

Ms. Dozie said the program began with the identification of beneficiaries and the training of distribution officers and supervisors. This eventually culminated in the actual distribution of relief materials to the displaced persons.

Dozie said selection of beneficiaries with focus on pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers, children up to five years, the disabled, and the elderly that were 65 and above, have already been done.

Items distributed included foodstuff such as rice, beans, Garri, noodles, as well as sanitary pads, tissue paper, detergent, bath soaps and bar soaps, among others.

Sister Deborah, one of the internally displaced persons at Daudu camp was elated with the gift items to her and her family. She said they were living comfortably at home before the attack, but since  have been living at the mercy of donors as they left their house without taking any of their belongings. She lost her husband, when he returned to their home to see if he can get some of their belongings. She thanked LDS charities and BVHF for their timely intervention.

               

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency, through Angela Omirigbe (SEMA Dauda Camp Commandant), has expressed appreciation to Bright Vision Health Foundation and LDS Charities for the laudable gesture that reflects love and concern for the people of Benue State.

Ibrahim David, President of Makurdi 2nd Branch of the Church said, "It has been a joyful exercise to provide relief for those in need. We are thrilled  to be part of the efforts to reduce the sufferings of these people."

President Ipirah Shadrach the District President Makurdi Nigeria District was pleased that LDS Charities and BVHF joined forces to alleviate the sufferings of the people. He praised the efforts of State Emergency Management Board, BHVF, LDS Charities and all the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who volunteered to help one way or the other to accomplish the great task.See more news in the link below:

http://sunnewsonline.com/latter-day-saints-bvhf-donate-relief-materials-to-benue-idps

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