Over 4,000 Benue IDPs seek refuge in Nasarawa after deadly attack

The Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that over 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have crossed into the state following a deadly attack on Yelwata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa, which left around 200 people dead.

NSEMA Director General, Barr. Ben Akwash, disclosed in an interview that the influx has overwhelmed the existing IDP camp at Kadarko Primary School in Keana Local Government Area. He said that due to the growing number of displaced persons, the state government has begun setting up additional camps to accommodate them.

“On the day of the attack, more than 700 people fled into the Kadarko camp, and by the following day, the number had surpassed 2,000,” Akwash said. “Currently, the total number of displaced persons across various camps has risen to 4,253.”

He noted that new camps have been established in Obi, Doma, and Lafia local government areas. The Obi camp now hosts 1,020 IDPs, while the St. John Agyraragu camp in Lafia shelters 1,852. The Idadu and Kpata camps in Doma LGA are hosting 672 and 709 IDPs respectively.

Akwash added that many of the displaced people, mostly Tiv, have also sought refuge in Tiv-dominated communities in Keana and Doma LGAs, citing safety concerns in Kadarko.

“Kadarko and surrounding communities are predominantly Tiv, so it’s expected that fleeing victims would seek refuge among their kinsmen,” he said.

To support the growing number of IDPs, the Nasarawa State Government, through NSEMA, has begun assessments in the camps to determine the most urgent needs. Relief efforts are underway, with plans to distribute food and essential items soon.

“We are taking deliberate and strategic steps. We’ve held meetings with the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, and procurement of food and non-food items is already in motion,” Akwash stated. “We appeal to the displaced persons to remain calm as the government intensifies efforts to ease their suffering.”