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In a significant move to enhance support for vulnerable populations, the Benue State Government has partnered with development organizations to initiate a biometric review process and issue new identity cards for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the state. This initiative aims to streamline aid distribution, improve security, and ensure accurate tracking of displaced individuals amid ongoing challenges in the region.
The program, unveiled recently, involves capturing biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition to create a robust database. This will replace outdated or makeshift identification methods often used in IDP camps, reducing fraud and enabling more efficient delivery of humanitarian assistance, including food, medical care, and resettlement support. Benue, which hosts one of the largest IDP populations in Nigeria due to farmer-herder conflicts and flooding, stands to benefit immensely from this tech-driven approach.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, speaking on the development, emphasized the government’s commitment to dignity and empowerment for IDPs. “We are not just providing cards; we are restoring identity and hope,” he stated in a video address shared widely on social media. The new ID cards will feature enhanced security elements and integrate with national systems where possible, facilitating access to government services beyond the state level.
Development partners, including international NGOs and local agencies, are providing technical expertise and funding. The biometric review has already commenced in select camps, with plans to expand statewide over the coming months. Officials report that thousands of IDPs have participated in the initial phase, expressing relief at the prospect of official recognition.
This effort comes at a critical time when Nigeria grapples with over 3 million IDPs nationwide, according to recent UNHCR figures. In Benue alone, camps like those in Abagana and Daudu house tens of thousands, many of whom have been displaced for years. The biometric system is expected to minimize duplication in aid receipt and help in family reunification efforts.
Critics, however, urge caution on data privacy, calling for strong safeguards to prevent misuse of sensitive information. The government has assured that the process complies with national data protection regulations and that the database will be securely managed.
As the rollout progresses, residents and observers are watching closely to see how this initiative impacts daily life in the camps. For many IDPs, these new cards represent more than plastic—they symbolize a step toward stability and reintegration into society. The full details of the program, including eligibility and timelines, are available through official state channels and partner organizations.
This development underscores Benue’s proactive stance in addressing displacement crises, potentially setting a model for other states facing similar issues. Stay tuned for updates as the biometric review unfolds.
