Benue Attacks Displace Over 6,500 People — NEMA
Benue Attacks Displace Over 6,500 People — NEMA
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that coordinated attacks by unidentified gunmen have sparked a humanitarian crisis in Benue State, displacing 6,527 people, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly.
In a post shared on X on Monday, NEMA revealed that the latest assault took place in the early hours of Saturday in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, where armed attackers stormed the area, leaving dozens dead or injured.
The agency said casualty figures remain inconsistent due to the volatile security situation and limited access to affected areas.
It, however, stated that ongoing rescue and recovery operations are expected to provide more accurate figures.
“Following a distress alert, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to the scene. Tragically, two soldiers and one NSCDC officer lost their lives in an ambush while responding to the incident in Daudu.
“Dozens sustained injuries, with 46 individuals rushed to hospitals. Sadly, 20 later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Medical teams have called for urgent blood donations to support critical care efforts.
“The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the attack and reported that some of the assailants were neutralized during an exchange of gunfire,” it stated.
Meanwhile, NEMA said that efforts are ongoing to provide support for those displaced by the attacks.
In a statement, the agency noted that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), NEMA, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Red Cross, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are jointly coordinating relief efforts at a newly established Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp located at the Makurdi International Market.
According to the agency, over 3,000 individuals—mostly women and children—have been displaced and are in urgent need of food, clean water, medical care, and other essential supplies.
“As of last night, displacement figures had reached 1,069 households, totaling 6,527 individuals. These include 1,768 women, 759 men, 657 children under 18, 1,870 adults above 18, 252 lactating mothers, 82 pregnant women, and 91 elderly persons,” the statement read.
It added that emergency relief is being mobilised and delivered to ease the suffering of those affected.
