The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has distributed food and non-food items to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees from Abi and Obubra in Cross River.

At least 300 persons benefitted from the items, which included noodles, groundnut oil, rice, beans, mats and other items.

The distribution was launched by the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Mr Imaam Suleiman-Ibrahim, in the office of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Calabar on Tuesday.

Suleiman-Ibrahim said it was necessary for the commission to reach out to the beneficiaries at a time the number of IDPs in the country was increasing.

“We all know the times we are in today and the situation in our beloved country and around the world, which has seen millions of persons displaced and driven out of their homes.

“Today, the displacement is on the increase, hence the renewed interest by President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Sadiya Umar, to care for the affected persons.

“There is no doubt that the objective of today’s activity is to support some families in Cross River that have lost their homes and loved ones because of violence, war or natural causes.

“We honour your courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming circumstances,” said Suleiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by an Assistant Director in the commission, Mrs Funmilayo Bara.

He further said, “It is worthy to note that NCFRMI is fully committed to seeking ways to alleviate the plight of our persons of concern and ensure zero hunger for IDPs, asylum seekers, refugees and stateless persons through livelihood programmes and other activities of the commission.”

Also, Mr Princewill Ayim, the Director-General, Cross River SEMA, described the commission’s magnanimity as commendable.

Ayim said the problem of IDPs was enormous for the state alone to handle.

“At the moment, IDPs and refugees in the state have increased to 38,364 which, in no small way, is a huge burden for the state.

“We really appreciate the gesture by NCFRMI because we know how difficult the times have become.

“The food and non-food items will go a long way in ameliorating the sufferings of our people. They will have enough to eat this period,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Boniface Okon, thanked the commission for bringing the items to them, adding that the gesture meant great relief to them.