The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that violent attacks by unknown gunmen have caused a humanitarian crisis in Benue State. So far, 1,069 families, made up of 6,527 people, have been forced to flee their homes. These include breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, and elderly people.
According to a post by NEMA on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the latest attack happened early Saturday morning in the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area. Armed men attacked the community, killing and injuring many people.
NEMA said it’s still hard to know exactly how many people were hurt or killed because the area is dangerous and hard to reach.
However, the agency expects to have clearer information as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
The agency added that after receiving a distress call, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were sent to help. Sadly, two soldiers and one NSCDC officer were killed in an ambush while responding to an attack in Daudu.
Dozens of people were hurt. Forty-six were taken to the hospital, but sadly, 20 of them died from their injuries. Doctors have asked for urgent blood donations to help save more lives.
The Benue State Police confirmed the attack and said that some of the attackers were killed during a gunfight.
Meanwhile, efforts to help the displaced people have started.
Several organizations—including the State and National Emergency Management Agencies, the UN Refugee Agency, the Red Cross, and the International Organization for Migration—are working together to provide relief at a new camp set up at the Makurdi International Market.
Over 3,000 people, including many women and children, have lost their homes and urgently need food, clean water, medical care, and other basic items.
As of last night, officials recorded 1,069 displaced families, totaling 6,527 people. This includes 1,768 females, 759 males, 657 children under 18, 1,870 adults over 18, 252 breastfeeding mothers, 82 pregnant women, and 91 elderly people.
Emergency aid is now being delivered to help reduce the suffering of those affected.
