ASUU, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, has extended its compassion by donating essential supplies to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State.

The union made the donations at the Abagana IDP camp in Makurdi, where they expressed their solidarity with those affected by displacement.

Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, the National President of ASUU, conveyed the union’s commitment to aiding the marginalized and vulnerable.

He emphasized that this charitable endeavor is a nationwide initiative, concurrently taking place in various regions across the country.

In his words, “ASUU has been fighting for the upliftment of the masses. One of its initiatives is what we are doing throughout the country.

As we are here in Abagana camp, ASUU is also in Niger, Gombe, and other places, providing assistance to those who are marginalized, especially during this time of severe economic challenges caused by fuel subsidy removal.

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This is a time when people at the camp are struggling to access basic necessities.”

The donations encompassed 1,246 bags of assorted food items including rice, beans, and groundnut oil. Additionally, sanitary towels were provided to address the needs of women in the camp.

While expressing gratitude to the state government for their support of the IDPs, Professor Osodeke called upon the Federal Government to enhance security measures in affected communities to enable displaced individuals to return to their homes.

He stressed the importance of restoring security and rebuilding homes damaged by conflict.

Professor Stella-Maris Okey, the immediate past National Welfare Officer of ASUU, voiced concern over the dire conditions faced by the IDPs, particularly pregnant women and children.

She highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to address the challenges and facilitate their return to their homes.

Despite financial constraints, ASUU’s gesture was appreciated by the Executive Secretary of State Emergency and Management Agency, James Iorpuu, and the camp managers, Festus Adzende and Esther Oota.

They commended ASUU for their generosity and prayed for blessings upon the union’s members.