The federal government has begun distributing food and nutritional support items in Benue under the Presidential Initiative for Food and Nutrition Assistance.

Humanitarian affairs minister Bernard Doro, who led the exercise, said it was aimed at supporting vulnerable households affected by displacement, insecurity, and loss of livelihoods, according to a statement on Friday.

Mr Doro described the intervention as an urgent humanitarian response and a strategic step toward linking emergency assistance with long-term social protection, including conditional cash transfers and livelihood support through the National Social Register.

The statement indicated that the ministry’s permanent secretary, Olubunmi Olusanya, underscored the importance of a coordinated, data-driven humanitarian response.

“This intervention reflects the federal government’s commitment to shock-responsive social protection, improved targeting through the Social Register, and effective last-mile delivery. Our goal is to ensure that assistance reaches intended beneficiaries with dignity and fairness,” he said.

According to the statement, Governor Hyacinth Alia thanked President Bola Tinubu for the timely intervention.

He noted that many communities in the state have suffered displacement and destruction of farmlands.

The highlight of the event was the direct engagement with beneficiaries.

Government officials personally distributed items to internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, and other vulnerable groups, including families from Guma LGA.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration with the state government to strengthen resilience, restore livelihoods, and support sustainable pathways out of poverty.

(NAN)