Violence in Benue State Displaces Over 6,500 People, Urgent Humanitarian Aid Needed

In the wake of recent violence in Benue State, Nigeria, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that 6,527 individuals have been displaced. The agency revealed on Monday that more than 3,000 of these displaced persons, including vulnerable groups such as children and women, are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, including food, clean water, and medical supplies.

Among those affected are 82 pregnant women, 252 lactating mothers, and 657 children under the age of 18. NEMA’s statement highlighted that the displacement encompasses 1,069 households, with a breakdown of 1,768 females, 759 males, and 1,870 adults over 18 years old.

The violence is believed to be linked to an attack by suspected Fulani militiamen in Yelwata town, Guma Local Government Area, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, although local sources suggest the toll may exceed 200. NEMA noted that casualty figures remain inconsistent due to ongoing security challenges and limited access to affected areas.

In response to the crisis, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been deployed to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. Tragically, two soldiers and one NSCDC officer were killed in an ambush while responding to the violence. Additionally, 20 of the 46 individuals transported to hospitals later succumbed to their injuries, prompting medical teams to call for urgent blood donations.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the attack and reported that some attackers were neutralized during the ensuing gunfire. Efforts to support the displaced populations are currently underway, with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Red Cross, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) coordinating relief activities at a newly established Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at the Makurdi International Market.