The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA), in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has distributed 26 motorbikes to security outposts and critical protection actors in Guma and Makurdi Local Government Areas to strengthen security and protection for Internally Displaced Persons and vulnerable communities.
The distribution, aimed at enhancing operational mobility, security surveillance, local policing, early warning and rapid response to emerging security and humanitarian concerns, took place on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Fr. Alia Conference Hall, Benue-SEMA Headquarters in Makurdi.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of Benue-SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, PhD, on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the government and people of the state, as well as the management and staff of the agency, expressed appreciation to UNHCR for its continued partnership and support. He noted that the provision of the motorbikes would significantly strengthen logistics, protection monitoring and early warning mechanisms while enabling faster responses to security and humanitarian needs in affected communities. While commending security personnel for their sacrifices and dedication, he urged the beneficiaries to regard the motorbikes as tools to support their operations and to use and maintain them judiciously.
The Head of Sub-Office, UNHCR Makurdi, Miss Evelyn Katono, commended Governor Alia for his purposeful leadership and support that has enabled UNHCR and other humanitarian partners to provide interventions addressing the challenges confronting IDPs and vulnerable communities. She highlighted some of UNHCR’s key interventions in the state, including cash assistance, protection monitoring and infrastructure support. According to her, the Cash-for-Protection and financial assistance programmes, funded by the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund, are designed to assist displaced families to meet urgent needs while supporting their transition towards recovery and self-reliance. On the motorbikes, she explained that the intervention would enhance operational mobility and protection monitoring, particularly in difficult-to-reach areas, facilitate rapid response, strengthen dialogue with communities, improve timely reporting and enhance the protection of vulnerable populations.
The representative of the Force Commander, Brigadier General M.K. Akpuogwu, also commended Benue-SEMA and UNHCR for the initiative, describing the provision of the motorbikes as an important step towards strengthening the protection of IDPs and vulnerable communities, particularly in Guma and Makurdi LGAs.
In her closing remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Mimidoo Kadev, applauded UNHCR for its unwavering commitment to collaborating with Benue-SEMA to improve the wellbeing and protection of displaced people. She described the distribution as a strategic intervention that would have a significant impact on the Benue State Government’s efforts to enhance security, protection and humanitarian response in affected communities.
The event featured the official presentation of the motorbikes to beneficiary security and community protection units, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and peace committees operating in communities such as Tatyough, Adai, Yelewata, Ginde and Adaka, among others.
