Gunmen Attacks Displace Over 6,500 in Benue, Trigger Humanitarian Crisis

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.

NEMA, in a post on X on Monday, noted that the most recent attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday at Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, where armed assailants attacked unsuspecting residents, killing and injuring dozens.

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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, it said efforts to support displaced residents are underway.

“The State Emergency Management Agency, the National Emergency Management Agency, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Red Cross, and the International Organization for Migration are coordinating relief activities at a newly established Internally Displaced Persons camp at the Makurdi International Market.

“Over 3,000 individuals, including many women and children, have been displaced and are in urgent need of food, non-food items, potable water, and essential medical supplies.

“As of last night, displacement figures stood at 1,069 households, comprising 6,527 individuals. Among them are 1,768 females, 759 males, 657 children under 18; 1,870 adults above 18; 252 lactating mothers, 82 pregnant women, and 91 elderly persons.

“Urgent humanitarian support is being mobilised and delivered to alleviate the hardship of the displaced persons,” it added