Devastating Violence in Benue State: Over 6,500 Displaced, Hundreds Killed
A recent surge in violence in Nigeria’s Benue State has left a trail of devastation, with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reporting that 6,527 people have been displaced. The displaced individuals, including 82 pregnant women, 252 lactating mothers, and 657 children under 18, are in urgent need of food, non-food items, potable water, and essential medical supplies.
The violence, which erupted on June 13, was sparked by an attack by suspected Fulani militiamen on Yelwata town in Guma LGA, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people. However, locals claim that the death toll exceeds 200, with NEMA citing inconsistent casualty figures due to the volatile security situation and limited access to affected areas.
In response to the distress alert, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed to the scene, but tragically, two soldiers and one NSCDC officer lost their lives in an ambush while responding to the incident in Daudu. The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the attack and reported that some of the assailants were neutralized during an exchange of gunfire.
The humanitarian situation is dire, with medical teams calling for urgent blood donations to support critical care efforts. Of the 46 individuals taken to hospitals, 20 later died, highlighting the need for immediate assistance. Efforts to support displaced populations are 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.
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attack and directed security chiefs to end the menace, while rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called on the President to ensure the safety of lives and properties in the area. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with youths taking to the streets to protest against the killings, only to be dispersed by police operatives using tear gas.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that urgent humanitarian support is needed to alleviate the hardship of the displaced persons. The international community must come together to provide assistance and support to those affected by this devastating violence, and to work towards finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Benue State.
